Montclair State University Names David Hood Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of University College

David Shaen Hood, EdD, has been appointed Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Founding Dean of University College at Montclair State University, effective August 1, 2018.

A new academic unit of Montclair State University, University College is the first program of its kind at a New Jersey higher education institution. Opening its doors in September of 2018, with more than 2,000 students, the College will prepare students who have not yet selected a major with the opportunity to explore their interests and abilities, to learn about the wide range of educational possibilities available to them at the University, to prepare academically to enter the major of their choice, and to make a smooth transition to that major. University College will include entering freshmen and transfer students, as well as continuing students who have not yet selected a major or who may be transitioning from one major to another.

The activities and programs associated with University College are all designed to provide students with effective academic exploration and degree planning experiences to assure their success in achieving timely completion of a degree.  To that end, the College will offer an array of first-year, transfer, and on-going academic experiences that contribute to a welcoming environment and robust sense of community within the University.  “University College will enable students to acclimate successfully to the large and dynamic university that Montclair State has become,” said President Cole.  “It will enable students to make effective use of the many academic resources available to them, mature their understanding of the nature of university study, and give them a sense of confidence and comfort in their various interactions on campus.”

Once University College students have been admitted to their chosen majors, they will move on to the college or school of that major, well prepared to succeed in their progress to completing a degree. In his new role, Hood will be responsible for creating the environment in which these transitions can occur and preparing students to take full advantage of Montclair State’s extensive resources as a public research university while increasing the likelihood they stay within their chosen major and graduate in four years.

“Dr. David Hood brings a broad range of experience in generating effective graduation outcomes for highly diverse bodies of students in multiple environments,” says Montclair State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Willard Gingerich. “I am highly gratified that he will be joining Montclair State University and overseeing our policies to promote retention and graduation across all undergraduate programs.”

Hood joins Montclair State after most recently serving as Dean of University College at North Carolina Central University, where he provided oversight for a program that supported 3,000 students and engineered a 15 percent improvement in retention rates among University College students over a five-year period. Prior to his position as Dean, Hood was the program’s Associate Dean.

“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to become an engaged member of the Red Hawk family, accepting two distinct assignments, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Founding Dean of University College,” says Hood. “In partnership with President Cole, Provost Gingerich, other senior leaders, and the entire Montclair community, I am eager to participate in continuing to enrich and expand the academic experiences for undergraduate students. My envisioned purpose of this role is to serve as the chief advocate for undergraduate students, removing obstacles and barriers to ensure timely degree completion.”

Hood earned a doctorate in Administration and Supervision with a concentration in Higher Education from Tennessee State University. He comes to Montclair State as the next step in a professional journey that has spanned two decades at various levels of K-12 and higher education, both as a faculty member and as a member of the administration at institutions including Elizabeth City State University, Virginia Union University and Central Michigan University.

“The investment of human resources and capitol in the establishment of University College, reflects Montclair State’s commitment to ensuring the success of all students,” says Hood. “University College will provide personalized attention and in some cases intrusive techniques to ensure that each student makes a timely transition into their desired degree program. A talented team of administrators, passionate professional advisors, committed program coordinators and student-centered support staff enthusiastically look forward to the critical work we will embark upon as frontline advocates on the behalf of all University College Students. We look forward to interacting with our students and welcoming you to our new home in the Harry A. Sprague Library.”

For more information on Montclair State University’s University College, visit montclair.edu/university-college.