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John Carroll University Provost and Academic Vice President Steven Herbert, Ph.D., today announced that Bonnie Gunzenhauser, Ph.D. has been named the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective summer 2020. She joins John Carroll University from Roosevelt University, where she has served in the same role for the last seven years.

In an email to the John Carroll University community, Herbert highlighted Gunzenhauser’s deep commitment to Liberal Arts-based education and her talent for developing programs, implementing strategic initiatives, and crafting a mission-inspired future for our students. 

“Bonnie’s experience in higher education is deep and rich. She brings a wealth of experience in walking with faculty and staff to design programs that serve both our students and the greater good. Her demonstrated leadership abilities will be of critical service to John Carroll as we continue to invest in the success of our College of Arts and Sciences,” said Herbert. “Bonnie brings a steady hand and strong vision to JCU at a time of great momentum for our institution. ”

As Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at John Carroll, Gunzenhauser will provide administrative leadership for its academic programs. She will also be responsible for developing and leading the college’s strategic plan, implementing dynamic new programs, and continuing to advance the College as a passionate advocate for the strong outcomes that result from our Liberal Arts-based Jesuit education.

Gunzenhauser was a catalyst for innovations and enhancements in her seven years as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Roosevelt University. She led program development efforts to align Roosevelt’s academic program with their mission, expertise, student demand, and market need in addition to planning and developing a university-wide general education reform, leading to curriculum redesign and launch of a new core curriculum in the fall of 2018.

Prior to her appointment as dean at Roosevelt, Gunzenhauser served as interim dean (2013-2014) and chair of the Department of Literature and Languages (2004 and 2012).

Gunzenhauser is a summa cum laude graduate of Luther College. She earned a Ph.D. in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago.