Michael Stevenson

New SBS dean ready to tap
into 'wealth of talent'

Michael R. Stevenson, the new dean for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, is ready to tap into "the tremendous wealth of talent" he sees at Northern Arizona University.

"The college has a huge amount of energy, talent and a readiness to move forward," Stevenson said. "I'm impressed by the enthusiasm for NAU by its students, faculty and staff."

Stevenson, the assistant to the president for Institutional Diversity and associate provost at Miami University in Ohio since 2005, will assume his NAU position July 23.

"We are fortunate to have found a candidate with the caliber of experience Michael will bring to this position," said Liz Grobsmith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "His knowledge of interdisciplinary education and institutional matters related to diversity will help lead the college into a prosperous future."

At Miami University, Stevenson provided leadership for its diversity issues, Women's Center, the Center for American and World Cultures and the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity.

He helped found the National Association for Diversity in Higher Education and the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, for which he currently is editor. He is actively involved in the leadership strategies of the American Council of Education and participated in its fellowship program.

"There is a tremendous match with what I have to offer and what NAU is looking for," Stevenson said. "From the time I arrived in Flagstaff, I kept hearing how great the town and NAU are. I'm looking forward to being a part of them."

Prior to his position at Miami University, Stevenson served as chair for the Department of Psychological Science at Ball State University in Indiana. He also was director of the school's Diversity Policy Institute.

Stevenson earned a doctoral degree in developmental psychology, a master's degree in developmental psychology and a bachelor's degree, with distinction, from Purdue University.

NAU's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences includes the departments of Anthropology, Applied Indigenous Studies, Criminal Justice, Geography, Planning and Recreation, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, the School of Communication and several interdisciplinary programs, including Ethnic Studies and Women's Studies.

Kooros Mahmoudi, a professor of sociology from the Department of Sociology and Social Work, has served as interim dean of the college since December.

Stevenson's resumé can be reviewed online.