NEWBERRY — Newberry College has appointed Gretchen Haskett as Associate Dean for Student Success and Persistence, a new newly developed position aimed at helping the college attain its vision for a nationally recognized student retention program.
Haskett currently serves as assistant professor of Sport Professions and chair of the Department of Sport Professions. She also leads a task force focused on improving student engagement, which is one of the College’s strategic priorities.
“Gretchen has been a valuable contributor in the various roles she has filled since joining the College 12 years ago,” said Dr. Timothy Elston, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. “Her leadership will be a tremendous asset to the College for ensuring the success of our student support programming.”
In her new position, Haskett will provide the vision and leadership for the Center for Student Success, which provides a broad range of services that have a direct impact on students and their ability to succeed and remain in college.
The Center provides support services related to careers, disabilities, international students, study abroad programs, military services, honors program, diversity education, writing and tutoring, bridge programming, athletic liaison and Call Me MISTER (in cooperation with Teacher Education).
Haskett also will work closely with departments across campus to develop and enhance retention programming and to collect and analyze retention data.
Haskett has served in various capacities at Newberry College since joining the staff in 2005 as Assistant Director of Residence Life. In 2007, she was appointed as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Physical Education.
The President’s Council recently selected Haskett to receive the inaugural Alpha Wolf Leader of the Pack Award, which was created to recognize Newberry College employees for excellence in leadership. Haskett also has been previously recognized as Advisor of the Year and for her efforts in program assessment.
Haskett earned her B.S. in Physical Education from Newberry College in 2003 and received her M.S. in Health and Physical Education from Tennessee Technological University.
“I look forward to tackling the challenges of my new position and having an impact on programs that will broadly affect the campus,” Haskett said. “I have always tried to approach learning with a holistic view and help others see that learning takes place through a variety of experiences. My new position offers the perfect opportunity to continue the enhancement, growth and collaboration of all services to assist in fulfilling the needs of our students.”
She and her husband, Nathan Haskett, live in Pomaria, with their daughter, Piper.