Erika J. Smith, the current Dean of Academic Services at Brandeis University, has been appointed as the new Dean of Connecticut College, effective August 1.
Smith brings over 21 years of college administration experience. The former Posse scholar holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University, a Masters in Educational Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a PhD in Philosophy in Social Policy from the Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy and Administration.
In addition to her current position at Brandeis University, she has worked as a research assistant at the Center for Youth and Local Authorities at the Heller Graduate School, as a research assistant at the Office for Planning and Institutional Research, as a lecturer at the Heller Graduate School for Social Policy and Management, University ombudsperson, director of the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program and posse mentor.
Smith has contributed to the Brandeis community through serving on dozens of committees, including 10 years of service in the student affairs department followed by five years on the mentoring team. She has also served on the Title IX Task Force, the Committee in Support of Teaching, and the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. She served on the board of directors of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, as well as on the boards of Summer Search and Posse Boston, and trained with the ACE Spectrum Aspiring Leaders Program, the International Ombudsman Association, and Mental Health First Help. She recently wrote a powerful article for a Brandeis Magazine series with members of the Brandeis community describing their personal encounters with racism.
As Dean of Academic Services at Brandeis, Smith leads a team of 29 people providing undergraduate counseling and support for academic success, scholarships, health careers, accessibility and support for first generation and low income students. In 2018, she participated in a major overhaul of the Brandeis Core curriculum, an experience that will benefit our community as the college works to take Connections to the next level of excellence and drive full participation.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Erika’s talent and expertise for this important role,” said President Katherine Bergeron in a communication to the college community. “I am delighted with the broad experience, intellect and passion for integrative excellence that she will bring to our management team.”
As dean of the college, Erika will serve as Connecticut College’s chief student success officer, responsible for supporting Connections and the college’s advisory programs for first graders, sophomores, juniors and seniors. and for overseeing centers and programs that focus on employee retention, academic and professional development, study visits, scholarships, and student employment. These include the Academic Resource Center, the Hale Center for Career Development, the Posse Program, the Mellon-Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program, and the Presidential Scholars Program.
“I was immediately drawn to Conn’s incredible opportunity to build on the strong foundation laid by the visionary work and leadership of the faculty, students, and staff,” said Smith.
“Connections is inspiring and will distinguish our students and alumni as outstanding critical and integrated thinkers for many years to come. I am very happy to join the Conn community and contribute all my experience to the success of the students. “
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