Staff Spotlight: Randy Torres

Before joining the Dean’s Office of the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) in 2021, Randy built a strong foundation in academic administration through his work at Columbia University. Randy has been a valued member of the Columbia University community since 2006, bringing nearly two decades of institutional knowledge and leadership to his work. Prior to joining the Dean’s Office, he served as Director of Academic Administration in the Department of Physics, where he developed broad expertise in faculty and student affairs, event management, facilities, human resources, visa and immigration matters, information systems, and academic operations. He brings deep knowledge in academic appointments, strategic planning, conflict management, and process improvement.

Randy earned his Master of Science in Information and Digital Resource Management from Columbia University in 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Mount Saint Vincent. His commitment to Columbia was recognized in 2012 when he received the Exceptional Service Award from the Department of Public Safety for his dedication to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.

Since 2021, Randy has served in the Dean’s Office of SEAS as Executive Director of Academic Appointments and Faculty Affairs, where he plays a central role in advancing faculty initiatives and strengthening administrative excellence across the School. In his current role, Randy leads efforts to enhance academic appointment systems and policies, working collaboratively with departments, central administration, the International Students and Scholars Office, and the Provost’s Office. He has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives that have strengthened institutional processes and innovation at Columbia, including the development of the Visiting Student Intern designation, the Designated Academic Colleague framework, and the DA Tracker system for academic transactions. He has also partnered with University Human Resources to develop the Manager Toolkit and supported the implementation of tools such as DocuSign and Canvas to streamline workflows.

A collaborative and trusted leader, Randy works closely with faculty and staff across SEAS, providing guidance on faculty affairs, visa and immigration processes, affirmative action compliance, visitor appointments, and leave management. He also partners with outreach programs, including the Science Honors Program (SHP) and SHAPE, supporting instructors onboarding and compensation. In addition, he advances training and professional development initiatives, providing departments with the resources and tools needed to effectively navigate complex academic processes. Randy’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to collaboration have made a lasting impact on the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the broader Columbia community.

Summary of Achievements

Over the past year, Randy has demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism in strengthening academic appointment processes across SEAS. His contributions have had a direct and measurable impact on operational effectiveness, enabling departments to navigate complex academic processes with greater clarity, consistency, and confidence. His work has improved efficiency, enhanced compliance, and increased transparency by developing tools and systems that support both departments and central offices.

A notable example of his impact is his support of the Science Honors Program, a long-standing Columbia initiative that serves more than 650 high school students each semester. Following the program’s transition to SEAS in 2023, Randy played a key role in ensuring a seamless onboarding and compensation process for instructors across multiple departments, coordinating closely with stakeholders, proactively resolving challenges, and managing complex administrative workflows with patience, precision, and care. As noted by Dr. Paul Blaer, “Randy Torres has been integral to the Science Honors Program, bringing his cheerful approach to navigating the complicated process of ensuring our instructors across the university are properly compensated. Since our shared start in the Physics Department, through our move to the Engineering School, his consistent guidance and helpfulness have made a continuing impact on the Science Honors Program's success.”

Randy is widely recognized as a trusted and collaborative partner, offering thoughtful guidance and fostering strong working relationships across the School. He consistently goes above and beyond in his role, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented approach that exemplifies the values of SEAS. His dedication, strategic mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Columbia Engineering community. These contributions, along with his sustained impact and trusted partnership across the School, truly merit recognition through the Spot Award. He was nominated for this recognition by Kris Breton in recognition of his outstanding contributions and support.