Campus Announcements

Dear Reed community, 

Following a national search for the next Martha A. Darling Dean of Students, I am excited to announce the appointment of Tawana L. Parks, M.S., M.Ed. (she/her/hers). Tawana will start on August 16, in time to welcome new students to campus for orientation and residential move-in. She comes to Reed from the University of California, Merced, where she served as the assistant dean of students.

With more than 21 years of experience in higher education, Tawana brings a demonstrated and long-standing commitment to supporting students’ access and success in college and beyond. With a strong background in organizational and change management, mixed methods assessment and evaluation, and learning theories and cross-sector relationship management, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that everyone recognizes their inner-strength, voice, and brilliance. Tawana comes to this position with a keen appreciation for Reed’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasis on supporting students holistically, and the collaborative dynamics of our culture.

Tawana’s appointment comes at the end of an extensive national search process. I thank the search committee (listed below) and commend them for their comprehensive search process and work to involve the community in filling this vital role. I also would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Cindy Anderson, Ed.D., for serving as the interim dean of students this past year and a half, providing continuity, support, and advice to the Division of Student Life during my transition to and first year at the college.

Please join me in welcoming Tawana to our community.

Regards,

Karnell 

Karnell McConnell-Black, Ed.D.

Vice President for Student Life

Dean of Students Search Committee:

Santi Alston, J.D. (co-chair, College Relations)

Cathy Carrington (Division of Student Life)

Jessika Chi (co-chair, Office for Institutional Diversity)

Mary Ashburn Miller, Ph.D. (Faculty, History and Humanities)

Katrina Tanner (Human Resources)

Charlotte Thompson (Student, Political Science Major)

Johanna Workman, Psy.D. (Health & Counseling Center)