SXU Welcomes Caress Dean as Provost
Saint Xavier University (SXU) proudly welcomes Caress Dean, Ph.D., as provost. Dean brings to SXU a robust record of academic achievements and over 10 years of experience in higher education, with a focus on cross-campus collaboration, career readiness, faculty development and grant funding.
Dean earned her Ph.D. in Public Health from Saint Louis University and her Master of Public Health from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has held various leadership positions and has served on committees related to strategic planning, enrollment management, recruitment and experiential learning. She has instructed over 75 graduate and undergraduate courses, published 27 journal articles, presented 38 peer-reviewed conference presentations, and secured more than $1.6 million in grant funding.
Though academic leadership was not Dean's initial career goal, her path naturally evolved from a deep passion for preparing students to excel in the workforce.
"I've found joy in collaborating with colleagues to design and refine a curriculum that not only equips students with essential skills but also helps them discover their purpose and make a meaningful impact in their careers. Over time, I sought leadership roles as a way to more effectively support and advocate for both curriculum and co-curricular initiatives that empower students to find their path and purpose," said Dean.
Dean describes her leadership style as rooted in three key pillars: communication, transparency and empowerment.
"I believe that open dialogue fosters trust, transparency builds credibility, and empowering others creates a culture of shared ownership and innovation. These values guide my approach to leadership and help me support both students and faculty in achieving their goals," said Dean.
Dean was drawn to Saint Xavier for many reasons, including the University's commitment to supporting a diverse student population and its investment in fostering student success across all student populations. She was also deeply inspired by SXU's dedication to Mercy, which closely aligns with her own values.
"The mission encourages students to explore who they are and discover their purpose in life, ultimately preparing them to make a meaningful impact in society. Whether they choose to serve their local communities, contribute to national institutions, innovate in technology, or help shape policies for the greater good, Saint Xavier provides a foundation that empowers students to lead with purpose," said Dean.
As provost, one of Dean's top goals is to support the implementation of Saint Xavier's
Innovate 2028 strategic plan, which presents a transformative opportunity for the
University not just to remain sustainable but to actively thrive and advance in meaningful,
mission-driven ways.
"Another key priority is facilitating the development of policies and procedures that
promote operational efficiency and long-term success. These efforts are essential
to ensuring that SXU remains agile, forward-thinking, and responsive to the evolving
needs of higher education. Equally important is fostering a culture and experiences
that support innovation, engagement and fulfillment among our students, faculty and
staff. This work is deeply aligned with Saint Xavier University's mission and values
and is central to building a vibrant academic community where everyone can flourish,"
said Dean.
Dean makes data-driven, student-centered decisions and has a proven track record of success in strategic program development, growth and evaluation. She finds that SXU's approach to data collection and its strategic use of data to guide planning and operations reflects a culture of intentionality and continuous improvement, and she aims to continue supporting and expanding those efforts.
With the state of the higher education landscape in transformation, Dean believes one of the most pressing challenges is the need to quickly adapt to change, especially as the landscape undergoes substantial shifts.
"Institutions must be agile and responsive, embracing new approaches and strategies to remain relevant and impactful. I believe my work can help navigate this by staying knowledgeable about the latest changes and how they impact the University, being creative and innovative in our adaptability through best-practice approaches, and fostering continuous communication to ensure all are aware and engaged in these initiatives," said Dean.
Dean, who finds the Saint Xavier community deeply supportive and genuinely passionate about student success and service, looks forward to working with faculty, staff and students.
"The shared commitment to care, service and excellence creates a welcoming and mission-driven environment. I believe this passion is a key reason why students continue to choose Saint Xavier University as their academic home," said Dean.
Dean grew up in the Bahamas, which shaped her love of beaches, seafood and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys exploring new areas and attending events such as festivals, tastings and art exhibitions. She often hits the treadmill and the trails to run, which keeps her energized and clear-minded. Deeply committed to family and community, Dean prioritizes spending quality time and engaging meaningfully whenever possible.