Washington named assistant dean of students at Maryville College
Desiree Washington, executive director of student success, equity and inclusion at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, has been named assistant dean of students at Maryville College. She will begin her work in the Division of Student Affairs on June 9.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Washington holds a master’s degree in higher education and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, both from the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama. She is a certified ATIXA Title IX investigator and has completed SafeZone training for LGBTQIA populations.
At Texas A&M-Central Texas since 2020, Washington has supervised staff and overseen the budget for academic support, tutoring and study abroad and assisted with the development and implementation of a campus-wide retention plan. She has cultivated and promoted an inclusive learning environment that encourages and supports community-wide programs, workshops, multicultural events and advocacy for affinity groups that support and promote campus learning that is diverse and inclusive.
Among her key accomplishments at the university in Killeen, Texas, are the implementation of a “Student Success Week” and assistance with the development of the “Warrior’s Way” peer mentoring program.
“Desiree’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of students was clearly evident throughout the search process,” said Dr. Melanie V. Tucker, Maryville College’s vice president and dean of students and chief diversity officer. “She brings with her experience in a number of areas salient to student success, and a deep desire to help Maryville College students achieve their higher education goals in and out of the classroom.”
As MC’s assistant dean of students, Washington will report to Tucker and provide leadership for programs and services designed to positively impact student success.
Washington will serve as the senior student conduct officer; chair the Student Intervention Team and the Student Threat Assessment Team; coordinate orientation for new students and campus-wide telehealth services; and supervise employees in counseling, intramurals and wellness, student conduct, and the grant-funded Preventing Assault and Violence through Education (PAVE) program. In the absence of the dean of students, Washington may serve in that administrator role.
Prior to working at Texas A&M-Central Texas, Washington worked as the coordinator of online graduate student access and success at Spring Hill College in Mobile. Assisting with the development of the college’s Center for Online Learning, she increased student access to information by 50 percent.
Her professional experiences also include coordinating recruitment at George C. Wallace Community College in Selma, Alabama, where she led efforts to increase applications by 60 percent, and the University of West Alabama, where she assisted with the recruitment of the largest incoming class in university history.
Washington is a member of the American Association for Blacks in Higher Education, the Association of Black Women in Higher Education and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.