Dr. Amy Cossentino Named Dean of YSU's Cliffe College of Creative Arts

Cossentino brings over 35 years of higher education experience to the role.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Dr. Amy Cossentino has been appointed as the new dean of Youngstown State University's Cliffe College of Creative Arts, following the resignation of former Dean Phyllis Paul. Cossentino currently leads the Division of Experiential Learning and Engagement and serves as the Associate Provost and Dean of the Sokolov Honors College.

Why it matters

The Cliffe College of Creative Arts plays a vital role in the cultural and creative landscape of the Youngstown region. Cossentino's appointment is seen as an opportunity to build upon the college's strong foundation and advance its mission and impact.

The details

According to a university spokesperson, Cossentino has stepped into the dean's role as of February 2, 2026. Former Dean Phyllis Paul has stepped down from the position but remains with the university in a different role. Cossentino is noted for her 35 years of higher education experience and a strong record of advancing community partnerships and student success.

  • Dr. Cossentino assumed the role of dean on February 2, 2026.
  • Former Dean Phyllis Paul has stepped down from the position.

The players

Dr. Amy Cossentino

The new dean of Youngstown State University's Cliffe College of Creative Arts, with over 35 years of higher education experience. She currently leads the Division of Experiential Learning and Engagement and serves as the Associate Provost and Dean of the Sokolov Honors College.

Phyllis Paul

The former dean of Youngstown State University's Cliffe College of Creative Arts, who has stepped down from the position but remains with the university in a different role.

Jennifer Pintar

The provost and vice president for academic affairs at Youngstown State University, who praised Cossentino's appointment and thanked Paul for her years of service and leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Cliffe College plays a vital role in our region's cultural and creative landscape. Dr. Cossentino's deep knowledge of the university, her passion for experiential learning and her strong ties across the community make her exceptionally well-suited to lead the college into its next chapter. She is the right leader to build upon Cliffe's strong foundation, and I'm grateful for her willingness to step into this expanded role. I have every confidence in her ability to advance Cliffe's mission and impact.”

— Jennifer Pintar, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (WFMJ)

“Her commitment to our students, faculty and programs is to be commended and underscores her commitment to advancing the mission and honoring the history of the arts at YSU.”

— Jennifer Pintar, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (WFMJ)

The takeaway

Dr. Amy Cossentino's appointment as the new dean of Youngstown State University's Cliffe College of Creative Arts is seen as an opportunity to build upon the college's strong foundation and advance its mission and impact within the regional cultural and creative landscape. Her extensive experience in higher education and commitment to community partnerships and student success make her well-suited to lead the college into its next chapter.