Six assistant deans join the Central team

After a busy semester of searches, interviews, and open forums, Central has filled six assistant dean positions across the university’s academic schools and colleges. Learn more about the new assistant deans and their roles below!

School of Education

Daisy Torres Hill 

Torres Hill brings 25 years of PK-12 experience as a teacher and district leader to Central. She also has worked in higher education as an adjunct professor, university student-teaching supervisor, and a leadership coach. Torres Hill most recently served as the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for Hartford Public Schools, where she managed PK–12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment. As assistant superintendent, Torres Hill co-designed the PK–8 Dual Language Academy at Dwight Bellizzi and led districtwide efforts that resulted in more than 800 students earning the Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction recognizing bilingualism and biliteracy on a student’s high school diploma and transcript.

A strong supporter of leadership development, Torres Hill also co-developed the Hartford Principal Leadership Academy and the Hartford Assistant Principal Leadership Academy and spearheaded innovative teacher recruitment initiatives.

School of Engineering, Science, and Technology

Anna-Maria Heredia

Dr. Anna-Maria Heredia began her role as assistant dean at the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology (SEST) in Fall 2025. She is responsible for SEST communications and marketing; oversees undergraduate student affairs; and develops Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment programs. Heredia also manages student probation, dismissal, and readmission processes; provides academic advising; and addresses cases of academic misconduct. She also develops and delivers faculty advising workshops, facilitates the SEST Living Learning Community, and processes undergraduate student academic forms. Additionally, Heredia serves as a liaison between SEST and other university offices and supports Dean Xudong Jia and Associate Dean Ravindra Thamma in numerous SEST initiatives and activities.

Nick Delaney

Dr. Nick Delaney joined Central on Jan. 9, tasked with oversight of graduate programs and development of initiatives such as open houses and enrollment campaigns. He assists Dean Jia and Associate Dean Thamma in developing and strengthening industry, academic, and alumni partnerships and collaborates with the Office of Career and Professional Development to connect SEST students with job opportunities. Delaney also processes graduate student academic forms, provides academic advising, and supports the SEST CareerLink program, while also serving as a community engagement and university liaison. In addition, he leads faculty advising workshops, supports Industry Advisory Board activities, and develops research opportunities while supporting and collaborating on faculty research.

College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Elizabeth Wright

Elizabeth Wright began her role as assistant Dean in Fall 2025. Her key focus areas include undergraduate academic advising, academic probation, academic dismissals, and reactivation on probation, as well as the review and processing of course substitutions, late course withdrawals, credit overload requests, and program admissions workshops. She also develops and delivers faculty advising workshops, supports the CHRS Living Learning Community, and plays a central role in undergraduate recruitment and student success initiatives, including Open House, Accepted Students Day, and orientation, and serves as the Dean’s Office representative for the Bachelor of General Studies and other undergraduate recruitment and student success events.

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Antony Wormack

Prior to his new role as assistant dean for CLASS, Dr. Antony Wormack spent more than a decade in leadership roles at CT State Naugatuck Valley, serving as the director of Career Services, coordinator of Advising Services, co-chair of the Title IX Committee,  and an academic advisor. His earlier career included a three-year tenure as a program advisor at the University of Connecticut. A dedicated lifelong learner, Wormack holds a Doctor of Law and Policy from Northeastern University and a master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. He is passionate about bridging the gap between academic success and career outcomes for all students and is eager to leverage his background in career readiness and academic advising to foster a student-centered environment that empowers students to excel.

Laura Minor

Dr. Laura Minor, a former assistant director of undergraduate advising at Central, will begin her tenure as an assistant dean for CLASS in March. She brings more than 20 years of experience in academic advising, program administration, teaching, and community-engaged learning. She has taught courses at Central and elsewhere in community and civic engagement, public policy, career planning, and managerial communication, and has conducted several community-based participatory research projects.