July 6, 2012

Shawnee State University welcomed Dr. Jessie L. Grant as Dean of Students beginning Monday, July 2.

"Dr. Grant has a great deal of experience in student affairs and will help advance our efforts to create learning opportunities outside of the classroom that complement our students' academic experiences inside of the classroom," Dr. Mary Oling-Sisay, SSU Vice President for Student Affairs, said.

Grant will fill the position left vacant with the retirement of Dr. Barb Bradbury. He most recently served as Dean of Students for the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) in Juneau, Alaska, and has more than 19 years' experience in higher education.

"It's good to be back in Ohio and I'm looking forward to being a part of the community and the opportunity to work with the students here," Grant said. "In many ways, Shawnee State University is similar to the university I've served for the past few years. It is an open enrollment university committed to improving access to higher education and helping first-generation college students be successful. That's the environment I enjoy and I want to serve as a source of support to students, faculty, staff, and the community."

A native of Akron, Ohio, Grant earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Kent State University, a Master of Arts, Counselor Education, from the University of Iowa, and a Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership, from Western Michigan University. He also received a Certificate in Enrollment Management from Capella University.

In his role as Dean of Students, he is responsible for the student judicial process. In addition, he will oversee several areas of student affairs, including Career Development, Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Activities, and Volunteer and Community Services.