Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, Appoints Four Women to Dean Positions

LoriAnn Sanchez has been named dean of the College of Education. She is an associate professor of education who has been a faculty member at the university since 2012. This past year, she served as chair of the university’s undergraduate department of education. She has also served as director of the university’s Adult and Professional Programs in Education.

Dr. Sanchez holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, and mathematics education and master of education degree both from Northwest Nazarene University. She earned a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Hawaii.

Judy Marlett has been named dean of the College of Arts & Humanities. She is a professor of music who has been on the university’s faculty since 1996. She has held numerous leadership roles at the university including chair of the faculty.

Dr. Marlett is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College in Chili, New York. She holds a master of music degree from Ithaca College in New York and a doctorate from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Lawanna Lancaster has been named dean of the College of Behavioral & Social Sciences. She joined the faculty in 2002 and currently is a professor of social work. She has also served as director of the university’s master of social work degree program.

Dr. Lancaster is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University where she majored in social work. She holds a master of social work degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Ph.D. in social work from the University of Texas.

Jamee Nixon has been named dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics, & Sciences. She is an associate professor of biology. Dr. Nixon has been on on the university’s faculty since 2007. This past year, she served as the university’s chair of the Assessment and Accreditation Committee.

Dr. Nixon is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.