Four Women Appointed to University Dean Positions

Carolyn Smith has been promoted to senior vice president and dean of research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She has held the position on an interim basis since May. For the past five years, she has served as dean of the university’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences – a position she will continue to hold alongside her new responsibilities. She is also a professor of molecular and cellular biology and a member of the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Western Ontario.

Erika Randall has been selected to serve as interim dean and vice provost of undergraduate education at the University of Colorado Boulder. A faculty member for nearly two decades, she currently serves as associate dean for student success in the university’s College of Arts and Sciences. She is a professor of dance in the department of theatre and dance, which she previously chaired for five years.

Professor Randall holds a bachelor’s degree in dance from the University of Washington and a master of fine arts degree in choreography from Ohio State University.

Renée Cheng has been named dean of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and senior vice provost at Arizona State University. A licensed architect, she brings nearly three decades of higher education experience to her new role. She previously served as dean of the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington. Earlier in her career, she was associate dean of research and head of the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota.

Professor Cheng received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and social relations and master of architecture degree from Harvard.

Sally Mudiamu has been appointed dean of global engagement and international programs at Montana State University. For the past three years, she has served as deputy executive director of global engagement and initiatives at Portland State University in Oregon. Earlier in her tenure with Portland State University, she served as director of the Office of International Programs.

Dr. Mudiamu holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, a master’s degree in later modern British history from the University of London, and a doctorate in educational leadership in postsecondary education from Portland State University.