DRYDEN, N.Y. — John Bradac has been named the Dean of Student Life at Tompkins Cortland Community College. He replaces Amy Trueman, who retired after 34 years at the College, including the last five years as the Dean of Student Life.
Bradac has worked in higher education his entire career, including the last 27 years at Ithaca College. While at Ithaca he worked in career services, serving as the director since 1993. Prior to Ithaca he held various positions at Ohio University, Briar Cliff College (Iowa), and Gannon University (Pennsylvania). His varied experience will serve him well as he takes over his new role at Tompkins Cortland, where he will oversee several departments, including athletics and recreation, student activities, the child care center, counseling, career, and transfer services, health services, multicultural services, residence life, and the office of diversity education and student services.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve students in a broader perspective,” said Bradac. In addition to his time in career services, he has taught a freshman-level course, served as an academic advisor, and worked in mental health, student activities, and residence life. “The Dean of Student Life position provides me the ability to use all my experience to have a direct impact on student success.”
John Bradac
Although he has spent more than 35 years working in higher education, the experiences he will draw on aren’t just professional. “On a personal level, this is the environment I come from,” explained Bradac when talking about his ability to connect with the students at Tompkins Cortland. ”I was a first-generation college student in my family. Many of the same challenges some of our students face were there for me. I had challenges academically. I changed my major. I can relate to what they’re going through.”
Less than a month into his new job, he already likes the way things are going. “I came into a warm and welcoming environment from the moment I stepped in the door on my first day,” said Bradac. “We want our students to be able to say the same thing. Our staff is committed to engaging students in and out of the classroom and helping them achieve success. I’m excited to be part of the team.”
Bradac is a graduate of Gannon University with a bachelor’s degree in mental health counseling and a master’s degree in counseling/student personnel administration. He was a doctoral candidate in college student personnel at Ohio University.
