Saint Xavier University has hired a new Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education, Dr. Becky Copper-Glenz.
The university created the position of Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education, and the search began in September of 2013.
Saint Xavier’s official job listing for the position stated that, “The Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) provides leadership and administration of graduate and continuing education programs across the University that is consistent with Vision 2017 and supportive of the mission and heritage of the University.”
These qualities were emphasized in the job listing and were part of the reason why Dr. Copper-Glenz was interested in Saint Xavier University.
Saint Xavier University’s background, mission, and vision statements were what Dr. Copper-Glenz really was driven by when seeking the position of Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education.
The university’s mission towards critical thinking and social justice were what resonated the greatest with Dr. Copper-Glenz.
Before her time at Saint Xavier University, Dr. Copper-Glenz attended Saint Mary’s University where she earned her M.A. in Human Development and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Besides her studies at Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Copper-Glenz also served as Dean of Extended and Distributed Learning at Minnesota State University at Mankato, and prior to that held the position of Director of Admissions for the School of Graduate and Professional Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
These prior positions made her an ideal canadidate for the Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at Saint Xavier.
When speaking with Dr. Copper-Glenz it was apparent that she had an excitement and desire to hit the ground running upon her arrival here this past January.
She listed with me three of her goals for her work as dean, which included streamlining of processes within the graduate department, working with the university community to increase visibility, and to take a strategic approach to program planning.
All these goals aimed at highlighting and improving Saint Xavier’s graduate and continuing education programs.
In terms of plans and projects already in place for the Graduate and Continuing Education program, Dr. Copper-Glenz is working towards revitalizing degree completion programs as well as working bringing back the graduate advisory counsel.
Her work does not stop there as the new dean also is seeking to develop the outreach and recruitment of the university’s Graduate and Continuing studies program.
With so many plans and projects underway normally you would expect to see a person appear overwhelmed, but Dr. Copper-Glenz had a very confident and excited aura about her, suggesting that she was ready to bring Saint Xavier’s Graduate and Continuing Education school to new heights.
The new dean even stated how well acclimated and comfortable she has already become over her short time at Saint Xavier University.
Dr. Copper-Glenz said, “I’ve been visiting the various departments and they have been very warm and welcoming to me.”
The news of some of these expected changes and goals are exciting some students looking for a graduate program currently, such as local resident Rachael Van Etten, who has been looking into graduate programs in the area.
Ms. Van Etten stated, “I am very interested in what the Saint Xavier University graduate school can offer and if the spotlight shines bright on the program I would definitely consider attending.”
The spotlight will be shining on Saint Xavier’s graduate school with the help and work of Dr. Copper-Glenz the new Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at Saint Xavier University.
Jake Alleruzzo
News Contributor
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