Five Women Appointed to Positions as Deans at Colleges and Universities

Julie Finnern is the new dean of professional programs at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Previously, she was dean of the School of Education and Exercise Science at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. In addition to teaching first, second, fourth, and fifth grades in two Minnesota public schools, she also served as K-12 Literacy Coordinator and Teacher Trainer in Hutchinson, Minnesota. At Buena Vista, she served as director of field experience, university director of assessment, and associate professor of education, and was a member of Buena Vista’s General Education Committee.

Dr. Finnern earned a bachelor’s degree at Wheaton College. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and an educational doctorate from the University of South Dakota.

Amanda Nicholson was named dean of student success and assistant provost at Syracuse University in New York. She has been serving as associate dean for undergraduate programs and professor of retail practice in the university’s School of Management.

Professor Nicholson holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in organizational behavior, all from Syracuse University.

Stephanie McGowan was appointed dean of the School of Education at Felican University in Lodi, New Jersey. Dr. McGowan is the former director of accreditation and assessment at Kean University in Union, New Jersey.

Dr. McGowan holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in education from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. She earned an educational doctorate from Fordham University in New York.

Donna Williams was named dean of the School of Business at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. She has been serving as interim dean. She teaches courses on business computer applications, principles of management, and strategic management.

Before coming to Alcorn State, Dean Williams was a finance administrator at Delphi Inc. in Clinton, Mississippi.