Ronald C. Jackson, a Michigan native with some 15 years of experience working in higher education, has been named the new dean of students. Jackson previously served as dean of students at the Community College of Philadelphia and at Marymount Manhattan College.

“I typically make fewer statements and ask more questions,” he says, describing his style. “I’m trying to get to understand the culture here. I plan to do a lot of relationship building so that the students get to know and trust me.”

One of Jackson’s first tasks was overseeing the new student orientation and club leadership training. He says his next big project will be working on some of the goals of the college’s strategic plan, including assessment planning for student affairs.

Jackson, who has also worked as the manager of student development and activities at Columbia University, received an Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in higher education administration from The George Washington University. He completed his bachelor’s of science in biology at the University of Michigan.