Name: Dawn Easley

College/University where you serve: Anoka Technical College

Current role(s): Academic Dean

Year you graduated from the SCSU HiEd program: 2021 ABD

What the SCSU HiEd program did for you in your career:

• increased my knowledge
• provided stretch assignments
• created opportunities for networking
• mentorship

Advice for current HiEd students: Listen to faculty, build in time DAILY for coursework, figure out your topic early and apply in classes, keep realistic expectations, reach out to classmates, and form relationships. The strong bond created with my cohort classmates contributed to my success! #BABB

What’s next for you?: Completing and defending my dissertation. For right now though, I’m settling into my new role as a Dean. Remember- small breaks are okay. 😉

Fun facts about you: This is my 20th year in MinnState and I’m an educational enthusiast. I love what I do!

Tell us about attaining your new Dean position:  I first spoke of my interest in being a dean approximately 10 years ago. Then, I had an opportunity to be an interim dean 4 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I enrolled in SCSU thereafter to prepare for a permanent position. In May 2021, I finished my coursework at SCSU and became ABD. It was right about that time that I was offered my dean position.

It’s important to understand yourself- your needs, your style, your values. Choose an organization that fits those things and allows you to truly be yourself. It’s under those circumstances that you will flourish. And remember, there’s only one of you in this entire world. Only you can offer the unique genius that is you!