Moloney named director of fellowship advising

Deirdre Moloney, who created and leads the fellowship advising program at George Mason University, has been appointed the director of fellowship advising at Princeton. Her appointment is effective Thursday, July 1.

Reporting to Senior Associate Dean of the College Nancy Kanach, Moloney is filling a new position in the Office of International Programs. Moloney has primary responsibility for overseeing and coordinating the advising for all major postgraduate fellowships and scholarships, as well as various undergraduate scholarships.

"Dr. Moloney was the clear first choice of the faculty and administrators who interviewed candidates in the search for this new position," said Kanach, who heads the Office of International Programs. "She brings to Princeton impressive experience in fellowship advising, demonstrated enthusiasm for working closely with students and nurturing them through the application process, and a strong record of achievement as a scholar and educator."

Moloney will serve as the first point of contact for any student interested in postgraduate fellowships or undergraduate scholarships and will provide advising throughout the application process, including working with students to develop their applications and prepare for interviews with outside selection committees.

She will recruit and coordinate the faculty and staff members who serve as advisers for particular fellowships, and will work closely with these fellowship advisers to support the range of activities required for particular fellowships, from special informational meetings to nomination and endorsement processes.

The creation of Moloney's position is part of the ongoing reorganization of the Office of the Dean of the College's advising and curricular functions. The Office of International Programs was created in the 2008-09 academic year, and with the new position, the University is increasing advising support for fellowships, many of which are international. Associate Dean of the College Frank Ordiway will continue to coordinate fellowship advising through the end of June.

Moloney began the postgraduate fellowship advising program at George Mason University five years ago, and she has been successful in raising the number of winners and finalists for competitive awards. She also directs George Mason's Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program, an interdisciplinary program that affords students the opportunity to undertake original research and creative projects with faculty members. In addition, Moloney teaches as an affiliate faculty member in the history department and women and gender studies program. Previously, Moloney served as dean of an interdisciplinary curriculum development program at St. Francis University, where she also taught history.