Melanie Morgan, PhD

Dean

 

Dr. Morgan joined Oklahoma State University’s Graduate College in 2024 after serving as an Associate Dean in Purdue’s Graduate School. Dr. Morgan is a Professor in the School of Media and Strategic Communications. Dr. Morgan’s research interests and publications focus on the production of complex messages in health and aging, science communication, and graduate student mentoring contexts. 

 

Dr. Morgan received her B.S. in Economics from Texas Christian University, an M.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from the University of Arkansas (LR), and a Ph.D. in Communication and Aging from the University of Kansas.

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 admissions and student affairs. 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

Associate Dean

 

Dr. Rebecca Sheehan joined the Graduate College on an intermin basis in 2023 and full-time in Fall of 2024. 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 oversees matriculation and academic affairs for the Graduate College.

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 and serves as the graduate coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Studies master's program. 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.