Kate Cassada & Gretchen Flynn Morris named SPCS associate deans

The dean of the School of Professional & Continuing Studies has appointed two members of the School’s faculty as associate deans. Dr. Kate Cassada, associate professor of education, has been named associate dean for academic affairs. Gretchen Flynn Morris, director of strategic management for academic and student affairs, has been named associate dean for student affairs. The appointments go into effect today.

These appointments separate the role of associate dean for academic and student affairs, held for the previous six years by Dr. Tom Shields, into two positions.

Kate Cassada named associate dean for academic affairs.

The role of associate dean for academic affairs reports directly to the dean of the School. The position provides leadership for and oversight of the administration of all areas related to academic programs and faculty support functions of the School. The associate dean for academic affairs collaborates with the associate dean of student affairs on matters involving both faculty and students. The individual also serves as a resource for SPCS faculty members in the areas of teaching, program administration, and scholarship, and supports the Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee.

As associate dean for academic affairs, Cassada retains her positions as chair of the educational leadership and policy studies programs and as director of the Center for Leadership in Education.

Gretchen Flynn Morris named associate dean for student affairs

The role of associate dean for student affairs also reports directly to the dean of the School. The position provides both oversight and leadership for the administration of all areas related to student-facing functions of the School. The associate dean for student affairs role collaborates with the associate dean for academic affairs on matters involving both faculty and students. The individual also serves as a resource for student services staff and faculty members, both appointed and adjunct, as needs associated with student matters arise.

As associate dean for student affairs, Flynn Morris retains her position as director of strategic management for academic and student affairs and as instructor of HR management.

Tom Shields steps down as associate dean

Effective July 1, Dr. Tom Shields, associate professor of education and leadership studies and program chair of graduate education, steps down as associate dean of academic and student affairs. Shields has served as associate dean for six year, taking on the position following the retirement of Dr. Patricia Brown. Shields served as the school’s first associate dean appointed from among the School’s faculty appointments. Prior to Shields’ appointment, associate deans of the School were appointed outside of the faculty as full-time administrative staff.

The division of the associate dean for academic and student affairs position into two associate dean roles was approved by Provost Saab in recognition of the challenges of the same position handling both academic and student affairs.