Annette Bhatia, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Continuing Education, Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Dr. Annette Bhatia has served Columbia University School of Professional Studies since April 2017 and currently serves as Associate Dean of Continuing Education. She provides academic and administrative leadership for a broad portfolio of programs, including Pre-College Programs, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, American Language Program and Summer and Visiting Student Programs.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Bhatia has focused on academic program development, governance, curriculum oversight, institutional assessment and operational effectiveness. She works collaboratively with faculty, University departments and school leadership to strengthen academic quality, support program development and advance educational opportunities.
A significant component of Dr. Bhatia's work has been establishing academic governance structures that support curricular quality and institutional collaboration. She launched and continues to lead the Pre-College Programs Committee on Instruction, which oversees curriculum review and approval, makes recommendations regarding instructor appointments and supports academic policies and instructional practices. In partnership with the Dean's Office, she also established the Pre-College Programs Advisory Board, bringing together educational leaders to provide strategic guidance on academic programming, curricular development and emerging educational needs.
Her broader institutional contributions include leading the publication of the School's Academic Program Review, previously chairing the School's Assessment Committee and guiding program review initiatives that strengthened course management and faculty hiring processes. She has also supported the expansion of academic offerings, scholarship opportunities and educational pathways for students.
Dr. Bhatia brings extensive experience in higher education administration, academic programming and student services. Prior to her current role, she served as Director of Student Services at Columbia University School of Professional Studies and held positions at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY) and the University of Arizona.
Dr. Bhatia earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education, M.A. in Political Science and B.A. in Political Science and Mexican American Studies from the University of Arizona.
