As part of a broader reorganization, Fitchburg State University has hired its first ever vice president of student affairs and appointed new deans to several different divisions.
Laura Bayless, currently the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, will join Fitchburg State as vice president of student affairs in July. She will be responsible for strategic direction, leadership, administration and management of student affairs, which will include several divisions, including athletics, counseling services, recreation services, the Veterans Center, and the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness.
She received her Ph.D. in higher education administration at Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in college student personnel services at Miami University in Ohio.
The university also named three new deans, following a nationwide search. John Schaumloffel, currently a professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at State University of New York at Oneonta, will become the new dean of health and natural sciences.
Franca Barricelli, the current associate dean in the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, will become the new dean of arts and sciences. Lastly, Becky Copper-Glenz, currently associate provost for graduate, continuing education, educational partnerships and extended campus at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, will take over as dean of graduate and continuing education.
All of the new deans will start in July.
