New Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies for Arts and Sciences

Dear Colleagues, 

We are delighted to announce that Michelle Spina, EdD has been appointed as Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies for the School of Arts and Sciences, effective November 30, 2026. 

In her new role in the School of Arts and Sciences, Michelle will focus on overseeing programs, initiatives, and personnel dedicated to student retention, student academic success, and enriching the educational experience for undergraduate and graduate students. Michelle will be a central partner to advance our undergraduate educational mission, providing strategic leadership for undergraduate academic policies, advising systems, and key operational functions. As the leader of the Advising Office and team, Michelle will be responsible for upholding and enforcing student academic policy as set forth by faculty vote and faculty governance committees; conveying these policies to students, their parents, and faculty; and deciding how to apply these policies to students in unusual or difficult situations.

Michelle has over ten years of experience providing leadership and strategic oversight for academic advising and student success initiatives. Most recently, Michelle has served as the Executive Director of University Advising in the Office of the Provost at Drexel University and as Assistant Vice Provost, Academic & Career Advancement at UMass Boston. Michelle holds a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership and Management from Drexel University, both a Master of Philosophy in Education in Professional Counseling and a Master of Science in Education in Counseling and Mental Health from University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Psychology from University of Connecticut. Her professional and academic work has centered on building effective advising structures, leading institutional change, and advancing strategic initiatives that improve the undergraduate student experience and support academic success.

Please join us in welcoming Michelle to campus in a few weeks!

We would also like to thank the hiring committee and the many colleagues who were involved in interviewing the candidates for this important role that is so vital to our students’ success. 

Warm regards,

Bárbara M. Brizuela
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Education 

Nimah Mazaheri
Dean of Academic Affairs, School of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Political Science