An experienced leader in global higher education, Miñana will help shape Temple Rome's next chapter as the campus celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Rogelio Miñana, an experienced leader in global higher education, will become the next academic dean of Temple Rome on April 1, 2027.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Following a national search, Rogelio Miñana has been named the next academic dean of Temple Rome, Senior Vice President and Provost Elizabeth A. Wentz and Dean of Temple University Rome Emilia Zankina announced on Friday, Oct. 23.
Miñana will begin his new role on April 1, 2027, and oversee Temple Rome’s academic programs, faculty and curriculum.
Miñana brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, having held leadership positions as a department chair, program director and vice provost, with experience spanning global education, academic innovation and international engagement.
“Rogelio’s appointment coincides with a pivotal time in Temple Rome’s history as the campus celebrates its 60th anniversary this year,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Elizabeth A. Wentz. “His expertise and leadership will be critical in building upon this legacy and shaping the next chapter of the school's academic excellence and global engagement.”
Most recently, Miñana served as vice provost for Drexel Global, where he oversaw the university’s education abroad programs, international partnerships and academic initiatives. He continues to serve as a professor of global studies and Spanish at Drexel University. His leadership experience also includes serving on Drexel’s President's Executive Council and Provost’s Executive Staff, among various other standing and ad hoc committees.
During his time at Drexel, Rogelio was instrumental in developing international academic partnerships with institutions in countries including India, Italy, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Brazil and Greece.
These partnerships supported research collaborations, student recruitment and academic mobility, reflecting his commitment to establishing global relationships and expanding educational opportunities.
His efforts also extended to making international education more accessible to students. Miñana helped develop new study abroad programs in Tanzania and Ecuador, with need-based funding to reduce financial barriers and broaden participation.
As the founding head of Drexel’s Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages, Miñana established the department following the merger of two academic programs—International Area Studies and Modern Languages. He introduced new academic offerings and helped increase enrollment by more than 30% over three years, reaching approximately 1,000 students.
“Rogelio has established a strong track record of bringing people and institutions together to create extraordinary educational opportunities,” said Emilia Zankina, dean of Temple University Rome. “His ability to connect academic communities across borders reflects the spirit of Temple Rome, where students engage with different cultures, perspectives and approaches to learning.”
Prior to joining Drexel, Miñana served as a professor and chair of the Department of Spanish, Latin American and Latinx Studies at Mount Holyoke College. During his tenure, he also served as the inaugural director of the Five College Blended Learning Program, a collaborative initiative designed to integrate technology into teaching and learning across five Massachusetts colleges and universities. His previous experiences also include faculty positions at Macalester College and Hope College.
Miñana previously served as vice provost for Drexel Global, where he oversaw the university’s education abroad programs, international partnerships and academic initiatives.
Photo courtesy of Rogelio Miñana
Miñana earned his PhD from Penn State University, master’s degree from the University of Ottawa and undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Valencian literature and linguistics from the University of Valencia in Spain.
Beyond his academic leadership, Miñana also served on the boards of several Philadelphia organizations committed to international education and global engagement, including the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, Global Philadelphia Association and Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia.
Miñana’s appointment comes as Mary Conran, the current associate dean of academic affairs of Temple Rome, prepares to conclude her term on June 30, 2027. Conran has played a significant role in expanding Temple Rome’s academic offerings, including designing the new four-year degree programs, strengthening academic support services and the overall quality of the student experience.
Prior to joining the Temple Rome community, Conran served in multiple roles at the Fox School of Business and across Temple, including associate professor of marketing and supply chain management and faculty director of assessment.
“We are grateful to Mary Conran for her many years of unwavering service and leadership to the Temple community,” said Temple University President John Fry. “Throughout her tenure at Temple Rome, Mary carried out her role with immense pride and a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success. As we welcome Rogelio, his expertise in global education and expanding educational opportunities will be invaluable as we build upon that foundation and advance the student success priorities of our new strategic plan, ensuring more students have access to meaningful international experiences.”
