Vanessa Vales-Lewis has been named assistant dean of the School of Health Professions at the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn. As assistant dean, she will focus on supporting faculty, mentoring students, and expanding pathways for students. Earlier, Dr. Vales-Lewis was assistant director of academic advisement in the university’s Office of Student Academic Services.
Dr. Vales-Lewis is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, where she majored in biology. She earned a master’s degree in biology education from Brooklyn College in New York and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in urban education from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
Rebecca Haley was promoted to vice chancellor for governmental relations at the University of Arkansas. For the past two years, she has served as the university’s associate vice chancellor for state relations. Earlier in her tenure, she was director of state relations engagement. Before joining the university, Haley held various roles with the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research.
Haley holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, and a master’s degree in business administration from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education from the University of Arkansas.
Jodi Weisfield was promoted to vice chancellor for health sciences and clinical programs advancement at the University of Pittsburgh. She most recently served as the university’s senior executive director of development for individual giving, schools and centers. In her new role, she will oversee fundraising supporting the university’s six schools of health sciences, clinical departments, and affiliated hospital foundations.
Weisfield is a graduate of the School of Music at Indiana University, where she majored in piano performance. She earned an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.
Christian Murphy has been named acting vice president for institutional advancement at Spelman College, a liberal arts institution for women in Atlanta. She has over 15 years of experience in institutional advancement, campaign strategy, and organizational growth, including service in executive leadership roles at non-profits throughout the Atlanta area.
Murphy is an alumna of Spelman College.