A Quartet of Women Taking on New Roles as Deans at State Universities

Michelle Ferrier was named dean of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. She will begin her new role on October 1. She has been serving as an associate professor at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.

Dr. Ferrier is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where she majored in journalism. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and a Ph.D. in texts and technologies from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Jennifer Schum was appointed interim dean of University College at North Carolina Central University in Durham. Since 2012, she has been associate dean of University College. Earlier, Dr. Schum was associate director of academic and career planning at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dr. Schum is a magna cum laude graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she majored in psychology. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Spaulding University in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Ph.D. in counseling and professional services from the University of Louisville.

Sarah G. Brinson was named interim dean of the Darton College of Health Professions at Albany State University in Georgia. She has been serving as interim assistant vice president of academic affairs and chair of the university’s Health Sciences Division. Dr. Brinson joined the faculty at the university in 2004.

Dr. Brinson holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in adult education from Valdosta State University in Georgia. She earned a doctorate in higher education at Columbus State University in Georgia.

Susan Brown, a research professor and director of the STEM Outreach Center at New Mexico State University, was named interim dean of the College of Education at the university. She has been on the faculty at the university for 19 years.

Dr. Brown is a graduate of Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University.