Now and Then

Having experienced it firsthand as an undergrad, Dr. Gail Lamberta ’82 has been part and parcel to the student-centered approach at St. Joseph’s University, New York

When Gail Lamberta ’82, Ph.D., first stepped foot on the Long Island Campus of St. Joseph’s University, New York (St. Joseph’s College at that time) as a transfer student from Farmingdale State College in 1980, she did not know that 45 years later she would be starting her 41st year as a faculty member at the same institution that has fueled her passion for learning and helped her develop the skills to lead in a classroom.

What began as a journey to earn a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation turned into a lifelong career with St. Joseph’s, contributing along the way to help the University get to where it is today.

“I had a great experience as a student,” said Dr. Lamberta. “The college back then was student-centered, as it still is today, and I think that was really important. All of the professors were there, and still are, to support students and truly wanted to see us succeed.”

Currently serving as a full-time professor and chair for the Departments of Recreation and Leisure Studies, and Hospitality and Tourism Management, Dr. Lamberta began her teaching career in 1984 at SJNY as an adjunct professor teaching program planning and leadership skills.

At the same time, she was building her career at the YMCA, where she would hold various positions for 17 years, while also earning a master’s degree and later a Ph.D.

In 1988, she became a full-time faculty member and chair of the recreation department at St. Joseph’s. At the time, the program was only offered on the Long Island Campus.

By 2000, Dr. Lamberta had expanded SJNY’s recreation and leisure studies program to the Brooklyn Campus. She resigned from the YMCA to continue expanding the recreation program, receiving external accreditation through the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).

In 2012, after developing numerous partnerships for the departments of recreation and leisure studies, and recreation, sports and park administration, Dr. Lamberta was offered the position of coordinator of experiential learning for both campuses. That same year, she helped develop the Hospitality and Tourism Management program and was asked to serve as associate dean for community development on the Long Island Campus, a position she still holds to this day.

As associate dean for community development and coordinator of experiential learning, Dr. Lamberta works with the business community to form partnerships for the benefit of St. Joseph’s students and the University.

Dr. Lamberta is an active member of many organizations and has won numerous awards for her dedication to the fields of community service and higher education.

She offers this advice for students, “Always remain open to new opportunities and challenges, and always pursue something that you will enjoy.”