A Trio of Women Selected for Dean Appointments at Universities

Neeru Deep has been promoted from interim dean to permanent dean of the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She first joined the university’s faculty in 2002. Currently, she serves as chair of the department of psychology and founder of the Center for Positivity, Well-being, and Hope.

Dr. Deep holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, a second bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in psychology, and a second master’s degre in education from Panjab University in India. She received her doctorate in adult learning and development from Northwestern State University.

Kelli Feldman has been appointed dean of the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. She comes to her new role from the University of Kansas, where she has served as associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate programs in the School of Education for the past decade. Prior to joining the University of Kansas faculty, she taught elementary education at the University of Central Missouri.

Dr. Feldman received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.

Denise Soares has been named the inaugural dean of the School of Education at the University of West Florida. She most recently served as assistant dean and director of graduate studies and interim director of the National Center for School-University Partnerships at the University of Mississippi. Her research focuses on applied and practical experiences in academic and behavior interventions for at-risk students.

Dr. Soares is a graduate of Texas State University, where she majored in elementary education. She holds a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston and a doctorate in educational psychology from Texas A&M University.