Meenakshi Wadhwa has been appointed vice chancellor for marine sciences, director of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and dean of the School of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of California, San Diego. She will also hold the Charles F. Kennel Director’s Endowed Chair. For the past six years, she has served as director of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University.
Dr. Wadhwa earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in geology from Panjab University in Chandigarh, India. She holds a doctorate in earth and planetary sciences from Washington University in St. Louis.
Cheryl Lambert has been named dean of the Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education at the University of West Alabama. She comes to her new role from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. There, she was an associate professor in the Eriksson College of Education and chair of the teaching and learning department. Earlier, she spent 12 years in various roles at the West Carroll Special School District in Tennessee.
Dr. Lambert received her bachelor’s degree in education and her master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Memphis.
Josephine O. Ibironke has been appointed dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, a private graduate school affiliated with Drexel University in Philadelphia. She is a founding faculty member of the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville, where she has been serving as associate dean of professional engagement. In addition to her teaching and research endeavors, she is a pediatric optometrist with over 20 years of clinical experience.
Dr. Ibironke earned her bachelor’s degree in visual sciences and her doctor of optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Sandra Inouye was named dean of the College of Graduate Studies at the Glendale, Arizona campus of Midwestern University. She was the graduate college’s associate dean for academic affairs. A faculty member in the university’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2000, she also serves as director of anatomical laboratories and holds appointments in the departments of anatomy, osteopathic medicine, optometry, and dental medicine.
A graduate of the University of California, Davis, Dr. Inouye received her master’s degree and Ph.D. in anthropology from Northwestern University in Illinois.
Elizabeth Xyr has been named dean and chief academic officer at Monterey College of Law in Seaside, California. She has been with the law school since 2008, most recently serving as vice president and dean of academic affairs. Throughout her tenure at Monterey, she has gained significant experience in curriculum design, online education, faculty development, and academic support.
A graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, Xyr holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. She earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Stanislaus and a juris doctorate from Monterey College of Law.
Tania Castañeda has been appointed vice provost for enrollment management and dean of admission at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She comes to hew new role from Columbia University’s Teachers College, where she was vice president for enrollment management and student success. Earlier, she was associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
A graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts, Dr. Castañeda holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Boston College, a second master’s degree in psychology from Brandeis University in Massachusetts, and a doctorate in organizational leadership and development from Northeastern University in Boston.
Bisant A. Labib has been named dean of the College of Optometry at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She most recently served as associate dean at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. There, she was also a full professor, director of the clinical internship program, and co-chief of primary care services at The Eye Institute.
Dr. Labib holds a doctor of optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Radiah Corn Minor has been selected to serve as interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University. For the past three years, she has served as chair of the college’s department of animal sciences. A faculty member since 2008, she focuses her research on the use of medicinal plants that promote positive immune responses and support the overall health of mammals.
Dr. Minor holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Florida A&M University and a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and immunology from Meharry Medical College in Tennessee.
Kelly Gebo has been named the Michael and Lori Milken Dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. She comes to her new position from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where she has taught as a professor of medicine and epidemiology for over two decades. Additionally, she served as deputy director of Johns Hopkins’ Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and director of the KL-2 Clinical Research Scholars Program.
Dr. Gebo earned her master of public health degree and her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Kerwyn Flowers has been appointed dean of the Florida State University’s Tallahassee Regional Campus. She has been a faculty member with the university’s College of Medicine since 2017. She also currently serves as director of rural medical education. Earlier, she was a professor and director of osteopathic medicine education at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia.
Dr. Flowers received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Florida A&M University and her doctorate from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.