Gershon Kekst Graduate School Administration

Amy Kalmanofsky

Dean, List College and Kekst Graduate School; Blanche and Romie Shapiro Professor, Bible

Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky is dean of the Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies and the Gershon Kekst Graduate School, as well as the Blanche and Romie Shapiro Professor of Bible. Previously, Dr. Kalmanofsky was associate vice chancellor, serving as an ambassador for JTS, teaching in communities across North America, building relationships with supporters, and sharing the impact of JTS on the Jewish world. As professor of Bible, she teaches courses on biblical literature, religion, and feminist interpretation of the Bible. In her writing and teaching, Dr. Kalmanofsky combines contemporary ideas and critical methods with traditional text study, teaching students to be careful, creative interpreters of Torah. 

Orlea Marlin

Alum (Davidson School), Associate Dean, List College and Gershon Kekst Graduate School, Director of Kekst Graduate Admissions

As associate dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Orlea Marlin provides academic advising and general guidance to students in List College and the Gershon Kekst Graduate School

Rebecca Sandler Perten

Associate Dean, List College and the Gershon Kekst Graduate School

Dean Perten serves as an academic advisor for both Kekst Graduate School and List College students. She helps undergraduate and graduate students pursue their academic goals and discover the rich array of opportunities at JTS. Dean Perten also facilitates List 101, List College’s orientation for all incoming students, directs leadership programming, and is a liaison to the Offices of Admissions, Student Life, and Residence Life. In addition to serving as Dean, she is involved with the development of precollege programming for high school students interested in joining the List College community.

Brian Smollett

Associate Provost, Curriculum and Instruction; Dean, Academic Affairs; Assistant Professor, Modern Jewish Thought

Before coming to JTS as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Smollett taught both Jewish and European history at Binghamton University, Queens College, and Hunter College, where he served as associate director of the Jewish Studies program. At JTS, he served for six years as assistant and then associate dean of List College, where he advised students in the dual-degree programs with Columbia and Barnard, and managed academic policy.