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Ceci Toro, a distinguished member of the Sarah Lawrence science faculty since 2018, has been named Associate Dean of the College, effective August 1, 2025.
“Ceci brings a deep commitment to the liberal arts and a scientist’s clarity and curiosity to this role,” said Kanwal Singh, Provost and Dean of Faculty. “Her ability to think systematically, combined with healthy skepticism, and her desire to bring people together across roles and disciplines makes Ceci ideally suited to help guide the academic life of the undergraduate College.”
With a PhD from Brown University and a BA from Reed College, Ceci is a neurobiologist with expertise in sensory hair-cell function and synaptic transmission. Her research has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and published in journals such as The Journal of Neuroscience, eNeuro, Zebrafish and the Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education. At Sarah Lawrence, she has developed a dynamic suite of courses in neurobiology and secured grant funding from the George I. Alden Trust to expand hands-on research opportunities for undergraduates through acquisition of cutting-edge lab equipment.
The move into administration grew out of her increasing involvement in College-wide service. “In recent years, I’ve found myself drawn to committee work that addresses big-picture challenges facing the College,” said Ceci. “I enjoy the collaborative problem-solving process and thinking not just about my own teaching and research, but about how we can support faculty and students more broadly.”
Ceci emphasized the importance of supporting faculty as a central goal in her new role. “Our faculty are exceptional — nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and creative work. Helping them flourish through curriculum development, mentorship, and research support ultimately enriches our students’ education. I see the Associate Dean’s job as one of facilitation: supporting the people who make this institution so special.”
The new role will mean stepping back from classroom teaching, and Ceci acknowledges she’ll miss that part of her work. “There’s an energy that comes from teaching college students — their insights, their curiosity — that’s so invigorating. I’ll miss that, but I’ll still stay connected through my donnees.”
As Associate Dean — a rotating position open to all tenured faculty — Ceci will work closely with Singh and oversee areas related to curriculum planning, academic assessment, and the support of guest and junior faculty, among other responsibilities.
Ceci succeeds Lyde Cullen Sizer (History), a member of the faculty since 1994 who served in the role from 2022 and made significant contributions to faculty development and academic life at the College.