Deans
The Deans are responsible for providing visionary leadership for their schools. They ensure the continuous accreditation of the programs within their schools and are responsible for supporting, strengthening, and advancing the diversification of a strong faculty.
The Deans serve as vital partners in the recruitment and retention of students. They are tasked with leading the faculty in promoting and strengthening innovative, student-focused teaching and engaged learning.
The Dean of each school collaborates with the Provost and each other in an academic structure designed to combine disciplinary preparation with interdisciplinary emphases, inter-professional approaches, and attention to rapidly evolving fields of study and practice.
School Leadership
Meet the Deans
Sanda Erdelez
Dean, School of Library and Information Science
Paul Geisler
Dean, School of Sciences & Health Professions
Ammina Kothari
Dean, Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences
Michael LaSala
Dean, School of Social Work
Astrid Sheil
Dean, School of Management
Heather Shlosser
Dean, School of Nursing
Deans in the News
Nursing Dean Discusses Tech Advances in The Boston Globe
Nursing schools are turning to virtual reality-based training tools, including UbiSim, to address the nursing and nursing educator shortages. Dean Heather Shlosser is quoted in a Boston Globe article.
Dean of SLIS Discusses Public Libraries in The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe featured commentary from Sanda Erdelez, Dean of Simmons‘ School of Library and Information Science, on the remarkable resilience of public libraries, particularly those in New England.
Heather Shlosser Named Dean of School of Nursing
Recently named Dean of the Simmons University School of Nursing, Dr. Heather Shlosser has a bold vision for a transformative future for nursing education amid the current national shortage.
Dr. Michael C. LaSala, PhD, LCSW selected as Dean of the School of Social Work
Simmons University is pleased to announce that it has selected Dr. Michael C. LaSala, PhD, LCSW to serve as Dean of the School of Social Work. Dr. LaSala will begin the transition to Simmons during the week of February 5, 2024, and his term will officially begin on July 1, 2024.
Dr. Paul Geisler Named Dean of the School of Sciences and Health Professions
In January 2024, Dr. Paul Geisler, formerly Professor of Health Professions Education, Associate Dean of Health Sciences, and Interim Associate Dean of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, accepted a new position as Interim Dean of the School of Sciences and Health Professions. He will become the official Dean following the School’s formal renaming on July 1, 2024.