Along with the newest graduates of Lehman College, this week will also bring the departure of Pamela Mills, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences at Lehman, marking the end of a successful tenure that began in 2017.

Mills is set to retire in June, concluding a leadership era defined by academic innovation, strong faculty support, and student-centered initiatives.

During her time as dean, Mills helped transform the school, guiding it through major departmental changes and supporting faculty efforts that secured tens of millions in federal research grants from agencies such as the NIH, NSF, USDA, and Department of Defense. A chemist by training, she continued teaching courses even while leading the school.

Mills prioritized student success, introducing novel teaching methods like flipped classrooms and spearheading an instructional support program to assist students in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also launched the Ph.D. Promise initiative, ensuring that students interested in doctoral studies receive the necessary preparation.

At her retirement celebration on May 9, Mills emphasized the critical need—not only for students, but for science more broadly—to make STEM careers accessible, and that care and commitment to students’ learning, research, and guidance are fundamental to this goal. “Remember, every student is important,” she reminded faculty.

Though stepping down as dean, Mills isn’t saying goodbye to Lehman. She plans to return in the fall to teach chemistry part-time.