Wanda Anderson is new Dean of Students

By Erich Gillespie (Whetstone Staff Writer)

Wanda Anderson, former director of retention and academic support at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, has been hired as Wesley College’s next dean of students.

President Johnston announced the hire on Wednesday.

Students talk with Wanda Anderson

Wesley College students said they were happy to be included in the process of selecting the dean of students.

“It’s inspiring to see that Wesley gave students a chance to meet the potential candidates and get our feet wet during the hiring process,” said senior David Gorski.

Dr. Cynthia Newton, who chaired the hiring committee, believes that, “In Ms. Anderson, we found a great combination of experience, compassion, caring and commitment to students.”

Anderson, who interviewed for the position in late January, focused on bringing the student body together during her open forum with the Wesley College students who attended.

“As a first generation college student myself, I understand how important it is to facilitate opportunities, provide leadership development, and encourage individuality,” she said.

She spoke about black student identity and socioeconomic differences at Wesley. She said she planned to make the student life office more welcoming and available to students.

Wesley’s stint with the latest Dean of Students, Mary Alice Ozechoski, ended with her sudden resignation. Dr. Colleen DiRaddo has been serving as interim Dean of Students.