Dr. Graff, who joined Touro in 1980, has served as interim vice president of the Division during the past year. She succeeds Dr. Anthony Polemeni, who passed away on May 22, 2014 after serving as vice president since 2008.

“As an esteemed and accomplished administrator dedicated to Touro’s mission, Dr. Graff brings a high caliber of professionalism and experience to her new role,” said Dr. Kadish. “I am confident that with her insight into the history and vision of Touro, she will lead our Division of Graduate Studies into a new era of growth and success.”

In her new role, Dr. Graff will be responsible for overseeing the graduate programs and the growth of student enrollment, as well as facilitating increased collaboration and operational synergy between the graduate programs.

“There are seven excellent deans here at the Division of Graduate Studies and I am honored to work with each and every one of them, in addition to the outstanding faculty and administrative staff,” said Dr. Graff. “I relish the challenge of guiding the Division in new directions to enhance the quality and reputation of all its programs, identifying opportunities and promoting new initiatives, expanding its scholarly footprint and enriching the student experience.” 

Dr. Graff said she plans to continue the path of her predecessor, Dr. Polemeni, in providing leadership and academic oversight in a collegial atmosphere that motivates and inspires faculty and administrators, while at the same time advancing admissions, enrollment, career services and student learning and success.

Additionally, she will work to carry out Dr. Kadish’s vision of advancing an interdisciplinary and collaborative learning and research environment among the graduate and professional schools.

Dr. Graff received her undergraduate degree in biology from the City College of New York and her Ph.D. from Columbia University in biological sciences. She then joined Touro as a professor of clinical biochemistry and an academic coordinator in the School of Health Sciences’ Physician Assistant program, going on to serve as the founding director of the Manhattan campus PA program in 1999. Since 2010, she has served as associate dean of the School of Health Sciences, and chairperson of the Touro College and University System Academic Integrity Council since 2012. Dr. Graff’s academic experience encompasses more than 30 years of teaching in higher education.

Formed in 2008, the Division of Graduate Studies encompasses the seven graduate schools of business, education, health sciences, Jewish studies, psychology, social work and technology.