New Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies appointed at Ursuline College

Pepper Pike’s Ursuline College has appointed Dr. Jenise M. Snyder to be the new dean of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies.

Dr. Snyder has served as the interim dean since last March. Previous to that post, she was made chair of the biology department in 2020. 

College President Christine De Vinne was quoted in a press release on the appointment of Dr. Snyder, saying, “Dr. Snyder has been one of our most dedicated professors for more than a decade. Her commitment to our students combined with her innovative approaches to learning inside and outside the classroom makes her the ideal candidate for this leadership position and a role model for our faculty and students.”

Dr. Snyder has worked as an associate professor of biology, focusing on researching the ecology of wetlands. She takes full advantage of Ursuline’s 60-acre campus as a real-world laboratory for her classes. After 2013’s tornado that hit the campus, Dr. Snyder used that as an opportunity to look at the effects of the restoration of water quality with her students. She also had them monitor how ecosystem management affected decomposition following the tornado. 

In the press release, Dr. Snyder talked about how she views science education: “Science is all around us. We are surrounded by chances to look at our work differently and spark curiosity that lasts a lifetime.”

Since starting her position at Ursuline, Dr. Snyder has won multiple awards and been part of several research grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, the Ohio Water Association, and the Ohio EPA.

Dr. Snyder spoke about why she loves teaching at Ursuline, saying, “One of the most exciting things about Ursuline College is being able to give back and help others find the confidence to be their best selves and follow their passion. Throughout my career, I have often felt like I didn’t fit the mold. I’ve been told that I don’t look like a scientist, much less a field ecologist. I love Ursuline for being a community that teaches and shows students to break the mold and eliminate preconceptions and barriers for themselves.”

More information about Ursuline can be found at the school’s website.