Hood College Appoints Ron Wiafe as Dean of Students

Hood College is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Wiafe, Ed.D., as the College’s new dean of students. Dean Wiafe will begin in January 2021.

In this role, Dean Wiafe will develop, implement and assess programs and initiatives to advance Hood’s mission to foster a vibrant, inclusive campus. The dean of students will be responsible for leading the College’s student engagement and residential life staff in their work to support student learning and success.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., said this on the appointment: "I am delighted to welcome Dean Wiafe as Hood College's next dean of students. He is an experienced, student-centered leader who will bring a wealth of knowledge, energy and vision to our student life team. I look forward to working with him and other members of the Provost Council as we bring together key aspects of the student life division and academic affairs."

A higher education professional of over 17 years, Dean Wiafe has held a diverse array of roles in both student affairs and enrollment management. Dean Wiafe joins Hood after spending the previous five years as director for student rights and responsibilities at Gettysburg College. He has also previously served as assistant director of judicial affairs, director of student life and assistant director of admissions, demonstrating a wide-reaching professional experience within higher education.

Dean Wiafe holds a bachelor’s degree in business from West Virginia State University, a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Akron, and a doctoral degree in higher education from the University of Pittsburgh. A native of York, Pennsylvania he is also a member of the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA) and the Association of Student Conduct Administrators (ASCA).

“Relationships are critical in carrying out the mission and vision of Hood College,” said Wiafe. “I am really excited to establish relationships with faculty, staff and students to support Hood’s core institutional values of Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy.”

Dean Wiafe has also has attended various trainings on crisis management, leadership development, mental health and restorative justice as part of his commitment to remaining informed of the constantly evolving trends that shape higher education.

Hood College President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., said, “I am proud to welcome Dean Wiafe to the Hood Community. His comprehensive knowledge and wide-reaching professional experience will further strengthen our commitment to building a holistic and robust experience for each of our students.”

Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, 30+ bachelor’s degrees, four pre-professional programs, 19 master’s degrees, two doctorates and 11 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities.

Media Contact