Jennifer S. Griffin named Dean of APEX at The College of Wooster

WOOSTER, Ohio – Jennifer S. Griffin, currently associate academic dean and professor of psychology at Thiel College in Greenville, Penn., has been named dean of APEX, The College of Wooster’s integrated center for academic and career advising, planning, and experiential learning. Her appointment is effective July 15.

As associate academic dean at Thiel since 2013, and assistant dean for four years prior to that, Griffin has helped design or lead a number of initiatives related to student mentoring, personalized academic advising, off-campus study, and applied learning. She served as director of the college’s First Year Experience, was a founding member of the Health Professions Institute, and spearheaded a pilot professional advising program for business administration, accounting, and criminal justice majors.
“The appointment of Jenni Griffin will allow APEX to grow in bold new ways,” said Carolyn Newton, Wooster’s provost. “With her years of experience as a faculty member, she will develop strong and deep connections with our faculty and curriculum.  Her student-centered and highly collaborative approach makes her a great addition to the positive culture that is the heart of APEX.  Under Jenni’s leadership, we look forward to expanding the APEX vision to include alumni, parents, and a diverse network of prospective employers.”
“I am very honored to serve as the inaugural Dean of APEX,” Griffin said. “I was drawn to this position because of The College of Wooster’s world-class reputation in mentored undergraduate research and its commitment to liberal arts education.  I am excited to have the opportunity to work with this dedicated and energetic staff to accomplish the APEX mission.”
Griffin came to Thiel in 1993 as an instructor in psychology and was promoted to assistant professor in 1996, associate professor in 1999, and professor in 2005. She served as chair of the psychology department from 2003 to 2010, and as director of the neuroscience program from 2006 to 2012.
Griffin earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Youngstown State University, in Youngstown, Ohio, and her master’s and doctorate in experimental psychology, both from Kent State University, in Kent, Ohio.
Griffin is a native of Ohio, and enjoys kayaking and hiking with her partner, Tom Clark, in her down time. She has two adult children, Marshall and Caitlin Beckett.

Posted in News on June 9, 2016.