The School of Professional Studies at Providence College is committed to fostering academic excellence through undergraduate and graduate studies in academic areas that are directly linked to career paths in the professional areas of education/teaching, social work, and health policy.

Dr. Thomas F. Flaherty, Dean

Dr. Thomas F. Flaherty, associate professor of education, was appointed the first dean of the School of Professional Studies. Dr. Flaherty was most recently dean of graduate studies, director of graduate education programs, and director of the Graduate Special Education Program.

Flaherty was appointed to the PC faculty in 1969 and has served in a variety of administrative positions at the College. For 20 years, he served as chairman and vice chairman of the College's Department of Education, for 34 years he served as director of graduate education programs, and for 13 years he has been dean of graduate studies.