News

Northeastern University’s Charlotte Campus is excited to introduce Thomas Mastro as our new Assistant Dean. Tom brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, student affairs, and academic innovation to our dynamic campus community. His extensive background includes serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives at The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies and Director of Academic and Student Affairs at Binghamton University. With advanced degrees in Public Administration and Student Affairs Administration, Tom is uniquely positioned to help our campus continue thriving as a hub for experiential learning and industry collaboration in the heart of Charlotte.

As a key member of our campus leadership team, Tom will oversee academic program support, student services, faculty engagement, and industry partnerships. We sat down with Tom to learn more about what drew him to our campus, his goals for the year ahead, and his plans for deepening our community partnerships throughout the Southeast region.

Getting to Know Our New Leader

Northeastern University: What drew you to join Northeastern University’s Charlotte campus, and what excites you most about this new role?

Tom Mastro: Our campus is strategically located in the heart of South End Charlotte, putting us right in the center of the city’s energy and opportunities. When I first saw the university’s branding on our building, I was motivated to learn more about the institution and campus. I was immediately drawn to Northeastern’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, global perspectives, research excellence, academic innovation, and community partnerships—the core pillars that drive everything we do. What excites me most is the opportunity to work in an environment that brings these values to life while building meaningful connections between students, faculty, and industry partners.

NU: How do you see the campus contributing to the Charlotte community and industry partnerships in the Southeast region?
TM: Our campus, programs, and students are deeply embedded within the health sciences ecosystem throughout the Charlotte region and beyond. A key focus for our campus has been—and will continue to be—growing these partnerships and creating opportunities for students to learn and develop both inside and outside the classroom. We’re committed to providing our students and alumni with direct connections to industry leaders and community partners, giving them real-world experiences that complement their academic learning. By serving as a hub where students can explore, partners can innovate, and faculty can teach and conduct research all in one space, we create a powerful environment that enhances the student experience while making a meaningful impact in our community.

NU: What are your goals for enhancing student success and engagement during your first year as Assistant Dean?
TM: I recognize that the student experience begins the moment a prospective Husky first meets with our recruitment team and continues well beyond graduation. Being intentional about the experiences and opportunities we provide throughout this journey is essential to student success. This year, I’m focused on bringing health industry leaders directly onto our campus and into our classrooms, creating meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and industry professionals to collaborate and share ideas. My goal is to establish our campus as a dynamic meeting place where health sciences leaders, engaged students, accomplished faculty, and innovative staff come together in one physical space. By bringing together all these elements intentionally, we create the perfect synergy for health sciences innovation while ensuring every student receives the support and experiences they need to succeed during their time in our programs.

Looking Forward

Tom’s leadership experience and dedication to fostering collaborative partnerships between academia and industry make him an ideal fit for our campus. His focus on creating intentional opportunities for students, faculty, and health professionals to connect and innovate will undoubtedly strengthen our position in the region. We’re thrilled to have Tom join our team and look forward to the positive impact he’ll make in our community.