Originally from Western New York, Peter Judge has made his home here at Winthrop for the past 22 years.
Judge was originally the department chair of the philosophy and religious studies major. He also served as interim dean of the college of arts and sciences for two years and mass communication department chair for a year.
Judge had previously retired in 2021 but was asked to come back to serve as interim academic affairs provost upon the departure of the previous provost Adrienne McCormick at the end of the last academic year.
Upon his appointment by former interim president George Hynd, Judge said “I’m grateful for their trust. I look forward to playing a role in helping President Serna settle into leading his alma mater with confidence.”
He continued, saying, “I’m also thrilled to be working once again with so many of Winthrop’s bright, creative, and dedicated staff, faculty and administrators.”
Judge elaborated on what he wants to fulfill in his role including expanding the bridge program with York Tech to offer more programs.
He also stated that he hopes Winthrop is now back to normal.
“I hope it’s time now to get out of the reacting mode and get into a more normal mode where we are really embracing our future and looking to build what’s good about Winthrop and to add new things to attract more students and build up our reputation again.”
When asked about what he wanted to accomplish with his role, Judge just said he hoped he could help others realize their best potential.
“In my role, I can enable the good people we have working here to do the best that they are capable of doing. If we can just scratch the surface of feeling satisfied in the job we’ve done together, then I will feel like I’ve done my job. I think I have the possibility to help people feel better about their work,” he said.
Faculty and staff were pleased when it was announced that Judge would be the new interim provost.
“I am so happy to be working with Interim Provost Judge in this important transition point for Winthrop University. Provost Judge is a dedicated leader, thoughtful decision maker, and calming advocate for those with which he works,” dean of the college of education, Beth Costner Greene said
“ I have found him to be attentive, thoughtful, thorough, and prompt in his decision-making,” dean of the college of business dean P.N Saksena said
“Dr. Judge is learning quickly and beginning to work with the Deans, establish his presence among the senior leadership, and develop a working rapport with Dr. Serna. I believe that he’ll be a stabilizing force for the campus this year,”college of arts and sciences dean Takita Sumter said
Judge said he hopes that faculty, staff and students will feel satisfied with the job they have done at the end of this academic year.
“I would like faculty, staff and students to get to the end of this academic year and look back and feel satisfied about what we’ve done together. Not just that we worked efficiently or saved money but that we can really feel good about what we are and what we’re trying to do,” he said.
Judge will serve for a year or until a new provost is appointed, whichever comes first.
