CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY
Introductions, please
Lynn University appoints leaders who will help drive its mission forward.
The Lynn 2025 strategic plan calls on university staff and faculty to engage constituents to foster a culture of pride, loyalty and support; to elevate the Lynn experience; and to expand programs, services and capabilities. This year, Lynn University's cabinet appointed new leaders on campus to guide the institution toward realizing its goals.
James Badrak
Director of Performing Arts Operations
Lynn named James Badrak as the new director of performing arts operations ahead of the 2023–24 performing arts season.
Badrak serves a key role in enhancing the performing arts experience at Lynn and is responsible for all theatrical and concert facility operations and logistics. In addition to his role at Lynn, he owns Music Theatre Production Group—an arts operations and logistics consulting firm.
Before starting his firm, he spent 16 years with Carnegie Hall production, serving various roles from stage manager to director of production. He was a six-year production supervisor for the Tony Awards and a line producer for Festival Productions. He also worked on numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions and national and international tours.
Badrak has lectured at several universities across the country. He is an active member of several industry groups, including the Events Safety Alliance, the Actors Equity Association, the American Guild of Variety Artists, the International Association of Stagehands and Employees and The League of American Orchestras.
"Selecting someone with Jim's skill set and work history speaks to Lynn's commitment to its mission," said Kristell Lowe, vice president of campus operations. "As our drama department and the Lynn University Conservatory of Music continue to grow and shine, his impressive background will help us elevate the experience of our talented students, dedicated faculty and esteemed patrons."
Badrak has a Bachelor of Music in musical theater and vocal principal from the University of Miami and studied orchestral conducting at The Juilliard School's Evening Division. He also earned a public health policy and programs graduate certification from the University of South Florida. Badrak enjoys playing the trumpet and has an extensive trumpet collection.
Sholondo K. Campbell
Dean of Students
Dr. Sholondo K. Campbell joins Lynn as the new dean of students. Before Lynn, Campbell served as director of student engagement and retention initiatives at Florida Southwestern State College, with another nine years at Nova Southeastern University managing student affairs for their seven regional campuses across Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"Dr. Campbell brings a broad level of knowledge and experience to this important role," said Dr. Anthony Altieri, vice president for student affairs. "His energy and passion will resonate with our campus community as we continue to elevate the co-curricular experience for our students."
Campbell served in various functional areas within student affairs, including involvement, leadership development, residence life, enrollment management, student conduct, campus recreation and new student orientation. He is passionate about working with diverse populations to shape positive experiences and outcomes.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Campbell earned a Bachelor of Science in management, marketing and economics from Elmira College, where he played soccer. He earned his Master of Science in sport and education management from Northern Illinois University and his Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University.
David Cohen
Dean of the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics
Lynn University has appointed David Cohen dean of the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics.
Cohen traveled globally as an instructor pilot and commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of colonel. After serving over 26 years in the Air Force, Cohen moved to Florida to inspire the next generation of pilots by teaching the Air Force Junior ROTC in Orange County Public Schools and Aviation in Lake County Schools. Cohen started his experience in higher education by bringing dual-enrollment aviation programs to the Orange and Lake County school districts as an adjunct professor with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for six years.
Cohen earned a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Boston University, an M.S. in industrial engineering from New Mexico State University and an MBA from Washington State University. He was also a National Defense Fellow with the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, Virginia.
"As an instructor and teacher, both on the ground and in the airplane, watching the lightbulb turn on for my students and see them succeed is a very gratifying experience for me," said Cohen. "I am excited to serve Lynn University to help develop the knowledge and skills students will need as tomorrow's aviation and aerospace professionals."
Mike Petroski, former interim dean of the College of Aeronautics, will pivot his efforts to serve as assistant vice president for academic affairs.
"For the past two years, I have been able to restructure and guide the College of Aeronautics in a new direction with the help of faculty and staff," said Petroski. "As we welcome David to the team, I'm looking forward to his leadership, vision and years of experience in academics and the aviation field to lead the team to success."
Cohen's technical experience, enthusiasm for all aspects of the aviation industry and academic background are assets to the program and the Lynn community. His father's career in the Air Force and the Air National Guard sparked his love for flight. Cohen and his wife Carolyn are excited to join Lynn along with their dog, Gabby, and their Cessna 172 aircraft, Lily.