Dr. Suzanne Harris, who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sul Ross State University, has been named the Dean of Students.
Harris graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and in 2002 with a Master of Arts in Public Administration. She received her doctoral degree in Education Leadership from Capella University in Minneapolis after defending her dissertation which focused on equality in freshman orientation programs and student retention.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to pour into our students and help them create memories of their time here while preparing them with the necessary skills to succeed when they walk across the stage,” said Harris. “I remember all of those who helped me along the way during my time here as a student. Once a Lobo, always a Lobo!”
She has worked at SRSU as an advising specialist, designing programs to improve student retention and success, including the development of a peer mentor program.
As the Director of TRIO Student Support Services, a grant she wrote, Harris developed a student mentoring program, academic support program and supplemental instruction.
Later, as a project manager for a Title V, a multi-million-dollar federal grant program, Harris oversaw the remodel and construction of the Lobo Den, a student advising center, worked to improve retention, and delivered first-year programming including learning communities and new student orientation.
She most recently served as the Director for Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost, implementing academic policies and procedures and providing assistance with operations, such as the introduction of the online bookstore.
Harris is the mother of six children, one of whom is enrolled at SRSU and another who was just accepted. Her husband, Ronnie Harris, works in Counseling and Accessibility Services and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and SRSU graduate. Her mother, grandmother, brother and two sisters-in-law are all Lobo alums.
For more information, email sharris@sulross.edu.