Judy M. Deshotels, Ph.D., has joined the St. Mary’s University community as the dean of students. Deshotels comes to St. Mary’s from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla., where she served as dean of students.

Deshotels’ holds a doctorate degree in education policy, planning and administration from the University of Maryland. She has a master’s degree in college student personnel administration from Indiana University, a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University New Orleans and brings with her more than 15 years experience in a variety of students affairs areas with several years in academic affairs as well. Her doctoral work included research on mission and identity in Catholic higher education, which made St. Mary’s a draw for her, she said.

“I understand that St. Mary’s history as a Catholic Marianist institution is a significant part of what the University is today, and drives the student experience at St. Mary’s,” Deshotels said.  “As dean of students, my role is to serve students as their advocate and to encourage them to make the most of who they are and what St. Mary’s offers.”

The dean of students is a key member of the University’s student development team, with the objective of supporting students’ intellectual, spiritual, social, psychological, cultural and physical development. The dean of students oversees a variety of areas, including orientation, campus recreation, student activities, judicial affairs and residence life.

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