Six Women Appointed to Dean Positions at Colleges and Universities

Akane Zusho is the new interim dean of the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University in New York. She has been serving as associate dean since March. Earlier, Dr. Zusho was chair of the Division of Psychological and Educational Services, and a professor of school psychology. She joined the faculty at Fordham in 2004.

Born in Japan, Zusho came to the United States when she was 3 years old. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in psychology and education from the University of Michigan.

Michele Cruse was named vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Since November 2019, she has served as the associate dean of student affairs and experiential education at the university. Earlier, she was dean of student development at Portland Community College in Oregon.

A native of Pittsburgh, Dr. Cruse earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a master’s degree from Portland State University in Oregon and a doctorate in education from Oregon State University.

Ophelie Rowe-Allen was appointed dean of students and chief student affairs officer at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. She has spent the last 13 years on the staff at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where she has served as associate dean of students, director of residence life, associate dean of assessment, and director of student diversity and multicultural affairs.

Dr. Rowe-Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. She received her educational doctorate in counseling education and supervision from Argosy University.

Ryan O’Neil was named dean of students at the University of Wyoming. She has served in the post on an interim basis since January. Before becoming interim dean of students, O’Neil served as assistant dean of students with a focus in student conduct. She has an extensive background in K-12 education and administration.

She completed her undergraduate degree in history at Hastings College in Nebraska and holds a master’s degree in policy organization and leadership studies from Stanford University.

Dorothy E. Mosby was appointed interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Dr. Mosby joined the Mount Holyoke community in 2003. She was a  professor of Spanish and was appointed associate dean of faculty in 2016. She has also served as a deputy coordinator for the Title IX compliance programs. Her most recent book is Quince Duncan. Writing Afro-Costa Rican and Caribbean Identity (University of Alabama Press, 2014).

Dr. Mosby is a graduate of Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.

Allison Crume was named associate vice president and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida. She has been serving as associate vice president for student affairs at Florida State University. She also was an adjunct faculty member in the university’s College of Education.

Dr. Crume holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in education from Georgia College & State University. She earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Florida State University.