Meet New York Tech’s New Student Life Leaders

Pictured from left: Felipe Heneo and Patricia Napolitano

Felipe Henao, M.A., and Patricia Napolitano, MSEd, have joined New York Tech as dean of students and associate dean of students, respectively. Together, they lead the Office of Student Life for New York Tech’s two New York campuses.

“The Office of Student Life’s new leadership underscores the university’s commitment to the development of the whole student, ensuring our students have the resources and support to academically succeed and helping prepare them to positively impact and change the world,” said Assistant Provost for Student Engagement and Development Tiffani L. Blake, M.S., Ed.M.

As a key member of the student affairs leadership team, Henao is responsible for championing New York Tech’s goals to be an institution that promotes inclusion and diversity, stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship, and promotes personal and professional student growth and development. Additionally, he will work closely with faculty and staff to enhance the New York Tech experience for students through shared programs, services, resources, and initiatives.

“For more than a decade, Felipe has been an exemplary, student-centered student affairs professional. He has effectively enhanced the student life experience and helped instill a holistic approach to student success, skillsets which are an ideal fit to meet the needs of New York Tech students,” said Blake.

Henao joins New York Tech from Mercy College, where he spent seven years, most recently as assistant dean of student affairs since 2020. Before that, he was executive director of Mercy’s student life and health and wellness programs. He also served as associate director of student affairs and residence life and as assistant director of student life at Chatham University in Pittsburgh.

“As the landscape of higher education continues to shift and our institutions become more diverse, educators must be prepared to be student-ready. It’s exciting to help students navigate their transition, build a sense of belonging, and create a culture of care in a community that supports their development and achievements. I am honored to join New York Tech and look forward to working collaboratively with all campus constituents to continue to improve our students’ experience,” Henao said.

As associate dean of students, Napolitano will supervise the offices of Residence Life and Student Engagement. She will coordinate traditions, events, resources, and experiences for students, including new student orientation, the Bear Bytes initiative, and the Leadership Development program to enhance the overall New York Tech student experience.  

“Patricia’s depth of expertise and her record of achievement in engaging college students is quite extraordinary,” said Blake. “For over 20 years, she has educated, encouraged, and celebrated undergraduate and graduate students in implementing co-curricular and extracurricular experiences in collaboration with faculty, fellow administrators, and community partners. She embodies the leadership, enthusiasm, and team spirit that New York Tech is known for.”

Napolitano joins New York Tech from Alfred University, where she served as associate dean of students since 1996. During her tenure, she supervised student activities, student diversity and inclusion, the student leadership center, new student orientation, academic support and disability services, and career services.

“I am honored to join a community of caring faculty and staff who are working to provide an outstanding student experience that empowers them to change the world, solve challenges, and reinvent the future,” Napolitano said. I am thrilled to be working in an environment that is fostering future makers, doers, inventors, and innovators!”