Rory Senerchia, PhD is an Associate Dean and Professor within the John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences at Johnson & Wales University. For eight years, Dr. Senerchia was the Academic Chair of the English as a Second Language (ESL) department at Johnson & Wales University.
As an Academic Chair, Dr. Senerchia created the ESL department’s annual plan of projected accomplishments in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan and worked collaboratively with other schools and colleges to maintain the effectiveness of the ESL program. She developed and continually updated the ESL curriculum to ensure successful first year experiences for undergraduate and graduate international students. She was selected as the A&S/ESL representative to travel to China as part of an academic cohort, and upon her return she was designated to implement faculty and staff (100+) training workshops on how best to work with Chinese students. Her research focus is bridge programs, academic culture shock, and academic acculturation intervention. She has led various academic preparation programs for international students and led programs for faculty on best practices and teaching to international students. Dr. Senerchia has also presented at regional and national conferences on these areas.
