Since the last Eastern Michigan University Dean of Students retired in July, the provost’s office has been maintaining the office as the university searched to find the right candidates to fill the position.
The job description of the dean of students is listed as follows: “Provides leadership and management of several offices that plan, develop, and administer the non-academic and co-curricular aspects of the student experience that engage and advance student development, learning, student retention, and success at Eastern Michigan University.” The dean of students will handle student conduct in disciplinary matters, behavioral concerns, violations of the student conduct code, and other non-academic student issues. In some cases, EMU’s Department of Public Safety will refer issues to the dean of students instead of pursuing charges.
Renee’ T. Watson, one of four final candidates for the position, began her career in higher education in 2006. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. She received two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kansas in General Studies and African American Studies. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Education, with a concentration in Adult Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri at Saint Louis, as well as her Doctor of Education with a focus in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University…