Liberal Arts and Sciences names new associate dean

Paul LePore, a sociologist, is the new associate dean for Student and Academic Programs in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He comes to ASU from the University of Washington where he was assistant dean for educational programs in the College of Arts and Sciences since 2001.

As associate dean, LePore will work in the college and throughout the university on student issues, including recruitment, retention and graduation; academic advising; program development; learning assessment; course scheduling; and enrollment management.

LePore notes, “My goal will be to find ways of making ASU understandable to our students and provide them the frame of mind, insights, and the resources they need to navigate the university and make the most of the intellectual opportunities we offer.”

LePore is well-prepared for the challenges before him. He holds a doctorate degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin. He also earned a master’s degree in sociology and bachelor’s degrees in sociology, educational studies, and business economics from Brown University. Prior to administrative roles at the University of Washington, LePore was a faculty member in the department of sociology.

He is a member of the American Sociological Association, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Council on Undergraduate Research, and the American Educational Research Association.

“Paul has a passion for helping students achieve great levels of success,” says Quentin Wheeler, ASU vice president and dean of the college. “He will be responsible for the creation, support and evaluation of undergraduate and graduate programs in the college and will touch essentially every aspect of student life. Our number one priority is a quality education and college experience for our students. Paul brings creativity, a wealth of ideas, and great energy to meet this challenge.”

LePore’s faculty appointment will be in the School of Social and Family Dynamics in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

A social psychologist and sociologist of education by training, LePore’s scholarship looks to identify the factors that promote student success. In addition to his administrative duties as associate dean, LePore will continue to work with students for his research that identifies and analyzes trends impacting the U.S. educational system.

His latest research looks at how teachers perceive intelligence in children and the effects that these perceptions have on student performance.

Past research includes measuring the effects that tracking and other ability grouping practices have on the educational achievement of high school youth. He also studied the causes and consequences of adolescent employment and the changes in the self-concept that occur as youngsters move from childhood through adolescence. Other research addressed the efficacy of single-gender schooling options; and the family, peer, and academic influences that predict student drop-out.

“ASU is a vibrant and energetic place, an institution that at its core encourages and promotes creative risk-taking and innovation. I am excited about the opportunity to shape and enhance the academic experiences for all of our students,” he says.

Gerry Corey had been serving as interim associate dean and will resume her role as senior assistant dean for the college. Corey has been with the college for 18 years, the last 12 years as assistant dean for Student and Academic Programs in the college.