School of Social Work Dean Noelle Fearn Reappointed

08/19/2025

Dear Colleagues,

In Spring 2025, we initiated our standard performance review of Noelle Fearn as I considered her request for re-appointment to a five-year term as Dean of the School of Social Work. I have completed that review, and I am very pleased to announce my decision to re-appoint Dean Fearn for a second term, starting in Fall 2025.

The Dean’s Review Committee, chaired by School of Education Dean Dr. Gary Ritter, included members of the School of Social Work’s faculty and staff. The Review Committee’s charge was to gather, summarize, and present relevant feedback/findings to me to inform my re-appointment decision. As part of that charge, the Review Committee solicited input via an anonymous survey to all full-time SSW faculty and staff, as well to other key institutional leaders with whom Dr. Fearn regularly interacts.

The summary report provided by the Review Committee documented strong, broad-based approval of Dr. Fearn’s performance, noting her excellence in supporting students, her successful fundraising, the notable increase in enrollment under her leadership, and her strong advocacy for the School's programs, students, faculty, and staff, among many other achievements. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Fearn on her re-appointment.

Sincerely,

Provost Mike Lewis, Ph.D.