Jean Van Delinder, PhD

Interim Dean

 

Dr. Van Delinder joined the Graduate College in summer 2010. Her responsibilities include matriculation through graduation oversight; disciplinary and interdisciplinary degree program development and monitoring; and student issues and concerns. Dr. Van Delinder is also a professor in the Department of Sociology. Her research develops systemic approaches to increase the representation and advancement of women and minorities in STEM. She is also recognized for her work on gender and social justice.

Matt Lovern, PhD

Associate Dean

 

Dr. Lovern joined the Graduate College on an interim basis in Fall 2021 and full-time in Spring 2022. His responsibilities include oversight in the areas of recruiting, admissions, orientation, and graduate student professional development and wellness. Dr. Lovern is also an associate professor in the Department of Integrative Biology where he has been on the Faculty since 2003. His research and teaching interests include behavioral endocrinology, physiology, and the stress response.

Rebecca Sheehan, Phd

Interim Associate Dean

 

Dr. Rebecca Sheehan, Interim Associate Dean.  Dr. Sheehan holds the rank of professor in the Department of Geography, where she has been on the faculty since 2006.  She has served as graduate coordinator in her department and has served on Graduate Council since 2012, including Chair of Subject Matter Group IV and most recently as Graduate Council Vice-Chair.  Dr. Sheehan holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University, a M.A.G in Applied Geography from Texas State University and Ph.D. in Geography from Louisiana State University. She is a cultural-historical geographer, and her research interests include critically examining public spaces where she explores identity, inclusion and exclusion, homelessness, and increasingly regenerative memorialization.  Dr. Sheehan joined the Graduate College team in September 2023.

Carol Powers, PhD

 

Assistant Dean

 

Dr.  Powers joined the Graduate College in summer 2018. She is responsible for coordinating the 360° Critical Skills for Career Success professional development program. She also coordinates logistics of the ITA exam, 3MT and 3MC events. She earned a BS in Crop Science and Applied Genetics from Washington State University, a MS in Crop Science from Oregon State University and a PhD in Applied Plant Sciences from the University of Minnesota.