Helene Selco has been named director of Cornell University's Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT). Her appointment was effective on July 1.

She succeeds Susan Piliero, who returned to teaching at the beginning of 2003.

In addition to serving as CLT's associate director, Selco also has been director of the center's Learning Strategies Center and of the Prefreshman Summer Program. As the director of CLT, she will be overseeing a variety of programs and resources designed to promote student learning and improve instruction. CLT's services also include Student Disability Services, the International Teaching Assistant Development Program, the Cornell Teaching Assistant Development Program and Faculty Instructional Support.

"I am very pleased that Helene has accepted the directorship of the CLT, as she has extensive knowledge of the university and the needs of student population as well as a passion for providing academic support services, which increase Cornell students' chances of success," said Edna R. Dugan, Cornell assistant vice president for student and academic services. Dugan noted that Isaac Kramnick, vice provost for undergraduate education, works closely with the programmatic elements of the CLT and was involved in the decision to appoint Selco as director.

"Helene is perfect as director: thoughtful, affirming and respected," Kramnick commented.

Selco, who joined Cornell in 1984, received a bachelor of science degree in 1967 and a master's degree in 1970, both from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in education, curriculum and instruction from Case Western Reserve University in 1981.