Berkeley College’s new provost is Patricia “Patty” Bennett Greer, J.D., the longtime chair of the Legal Studies Department who is known for being actively engaged with the business community.
Greer joined Berkeley College in 1997 as a faculty member and was promoted to chair of Paralegal Studies in 2000. Since that time, she has also served as dean and campus operating officer of Berkeley College Online and assessment coordinator in the School of Professional Studies.
“Patty Greer has been an exceptional leader and an advocate of the Berkeley College mission and our students for more than two decades,” said Diane Recinos, Ed.D., president of Berkeley College. “Her proven record of achievement and engagement in higher education has allowed her to gain the respect of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and makes her an outstanding fit for this role.”
As the chief academic officer of the college, the provost is responsible for the overall academic vision that will contribute to Berkeley College’s future of excellence in career-focused education. Greer’s appointment as provost was effective Aug. 7.
Greer is well-known in the business community, and has presented on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion topics to the North Jersey, Manhattan, and Woodbridge Metro Chambers of Commerce. She has served as a member of the Business Council of the Newark Museum of Art since 2019.
In addition to her academic experience, Greer worked as a legal assistant with Shearman & Sterling in New York City, and as a law clerk for Schwartz, Tobia & Stanziale in Verona. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1995 and served as an associate at Bennett & Samios, LLP, in New York City.
Greer, a resident of Berkeley Heights, holds a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, a master’s from the University of Rochester, and a Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students bachelor’s, master’s and associate degrees and certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The college also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials. Berkeley College has campuses in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, as well as New York City, with more than 3,600 students enrolled.
