Prior to serving as dean of the faculty under President Tom Gerety, Raskin served as acting dean of the faculty during President Peter Pouncey's term in office [for a semester].
"Being dean of the faculty is about figuring out the ways in which you can be most helpful to the faculty, the president, the trustees and the staff, and to figuring out the best ways to work with all of them closely," said Raskin. It involves working with individuals such as the museum director, the director of information technology and the registrar.
"It's a lot to get to know ... You figure out the terrain and look to find areas that need reinforcement," she said. "The greatest challenge is to get to know the institution in all its details and intricacies, to find ways in which one could really help."
In the past eight years, Raskin's accomplishments have spoken to her understanding of the intricacies of the College.
"Our accomplishments in the past eight years have included an increase in faculty resources and support for research and scholarship, a hard push to reach the [full-time equivalency (FTE)] cap, an increase in the number of professorships and improved facilities as a result of the capital campaign and an increase in faculty salaries," said Raskin.
Raskin emphasized the contributions of her colleagues in helping her fulfill her responsibilities. "All of this happened with the help of administrative colleagues and the faculty committees. You don't work alone as dean of the faculty."
According to her colleagues, Raskin's experience as a member of the faculty contributed to her strength as dean. "[Raskin] was always very responsive to the needs of the faculty because she had been a part of that same faculty," said Professor of Psychology Catherine Sanderson.
Raskin has been a strong advocate for the faculty throughout her tenure, offering encouragement and support, particularly for faculty research and grants. "She would tell us to apply for new positions or help us increase funding for research whether by allowing for sabbatical with pay or finding larger grants," said Sanderson.
As dean, Raskin has also supported and helped advance several programs. She is a member of the neuroscience program, which has enhanced other programs pertaining to the history of psychology, and is now celebrating its 25th year. This program "is an interest to [Raskin] and also a number of Amherst students," said Olver.
On a more personal level, Raskin has also reaped much praise. "Not only did she support the faculty with their research and teaching, but she was also very supportive of us as people," said Professor of Psychology Rose Olver. "She was compassionate and understanding of hardships in faculty members' lives, such as sickness and loss."
The psychology department is looking forward to the return of their colleague.
"The department is very excited to have her back. We have been down a person in recent years and, as students know, many psychology classes are hard to get into," said Sanderson.
"Her exceptional abilities as a teacher will once again enrich the school and allow the department to offer courses that have not been offered in the past," said Olver.
Raskin expects to teach the Psychology of Aging, the History of Psychiatry and Pediatric Psychopharmacology.
Raskin doesn't know if she will seek another administrative position in the future.
"It would be silly for me to say that I wouldn't maybe want to be back in administration at some point in the future," said Raskin. "As dean of the faculty at Amherst, I was nominated for many administrative positions, I have turned almost every single one of them down. Yet, I have so much enjoyed being dean of the faculty and in the administration, that in two years, I could say, 'I want to get back into administration'-it's too soon to say."
"She has had many a chance to be a college president and she has not been interested," said Gerety of Raskin's immediate plans. "I don't think she'll run for president here or elsewhere."