Pratt Institute has named Maira Rey Seara as dean of the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS). Her appointment will become effective on April 1, 2015.

Seara, who is currently Director of Continuing Education Program Development at CCPS, brings 14 years of experience in continuing education and professional development to the newly created role of CCPS dean, a position that reflects the increasingly prominent role that continuing education and professional studies play in the careers of creative professionals.

“We are very pleased to announce Maira Rey Seara as dean of the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies. Her significant experience in program development and educational outreach to working professionals will be tremendously beneficial in supporting the mission of the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies,” said Pratt Institute Provost Peter Barna. “The creativity she brings to fostering an environment where innovation and teamwork can thrive will be valuable to CCPS faculty and students.”

Before coming to Pratt in September 2014, Seara served as Director of Professional Development Studies at Rutgers University’s School of Communication and Information, College Avenue Campus. She has also held senior leadership positions at Bloomfield College and Miami Dade College, where she led the Center for Excellence, an initiative she established to address South Florida’s workforce development needs.  

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with such talented faculty and staff to serve the lifelong learning needs of students in Pratt’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies,” said Seara. “I look forward to working together to identify new opportunities to support students in achieving their professional and personal goals.”