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Nov. 30, 2015 – Kimberly M. Ferguson will join Allegheny College on February 1 as vice president and dean of students. Ferguson currently is dean of students at Spelman College.

Ferguson has a broad range of experience in key leadership roles, not only at Spelman College but at Capital University, Ohio State University, the University of Akron, the College of Wooster and Albion College. She also served as president of the Ohio College Personnel Association.

“Our entire campus community – students, faculty and staff – was involved in the search process, and Dr. Ferguson made an immediate connection with the people she met,” said James H. Mullen, president of Allegheny College. “An award-winning administrator who has also taught in the classroom, she understands the importance of keeping higher education centered on an outstanding student experience – and she believes passionately in the power of the liberal arts. She brings tremendous talent, energy and expertise to our senior leadership team.”

The dean of students is the college’s chief student affairs officer and works collaboratively with the senior administration, faculty, staff and students to provide a comprehensive living and learning environment that challenges students to be leaders and engaged citizens, creates a campus environment respectful of differences and prepares students for a lifetime of contribution to society.

Ferguson will directly oversee the areas of residence life, religious life, student involvement, safety and security, the counseling center and the health center. In addition, she will collaborate closely with colleagues in the offices of academic affairs, Title IX and athletics, as well as with the leaders of the engaged learning and civic engagement initiatives centered in the Allegheny Gateway.

“I am honored to be selected to serve as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Allegheny College,” said Ferguson. “I look forward to connecting with the talented students, faculty and staff to listen, learn and understand the rich history and traditions of the college. I am even more excited about the abundant partnership opportunities and potential for collaboration on a shared vision for student affairs – a vision that brings to life the strategic priorities of the college and further transforms the student experience in support of Allegheny’s liberal arts tradition of academic excellence and student success.”

Among her awards, Ferguson has received the Staff Recognition Award and Shining Star Award from Spelman College, the Gerald L. Saddlemire Mentor Award and Outstanding Service Award from the Ohio College Personnel Association, the Buckeye Team Award from Ohio State, the Outstanding Contribution to the Academic Mission Award from the University of Akron, the Lenora Barnes-Wright Outstanding Leadership Award from the College of Wooster and the Outstanding Women in Leadership Award from Albion College.

Ferguson earned a B.A. in philosophy and sociology from Ashland College, a master of arts in educational administration from the University of Akron and a Ph.D. in higher education from Ohio University.