Meet the Student Life Deans

The deans in Student Life meet regularly one-on-one with students for academic support, assistance in addressing obstacles to student success, guidance on campus policies and procedures, and collaboration on student and campus life initiatives.

While deans share many similar responsibilities, each dean has a focus or specialty area related to their specific department. Please reference the summary below to learn more about our deans in Student Life and how to set up an appointment.

If you are unsure who to meet with, please contact the Student Life Office and include your name, preferred times to meet, and a brief description of what you would like to discuss with a dean.

Our Deans

Tawana Parks

Martha A. Darling Dean of Students

Eliot Hall Room 218 / 503-517-4057
tawanap@reed.edu

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Tawana (she/her) is an educator, scholar, and spoken word artist (Auntie Free). She utilizes a holistic and anti-deficit achievement framework recognizing the importance of the embodiment of an approach that is collaborative (person-centered and honors autonomy), evocative (calls forth the student’s OWN motivation to succeed), and autonomous versus authoritative (true power for success rests within the scholar). Tawana enjoys advocating, connecting, and caring for students and the DoS team of professionals as we are dedicated to moving student success forward at Reed.

Steve Abrahão
Associate Dean of Students for Academic Life
Eliot Hall Room 204B / 503-517-4108
sabrahao@reed.edu
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Steve Abrahão is the Associate Dean of Students for Academic Life with over 12 years of experience in higher education. Steve has maintained a student-centered approach and ethic of care for students and families that inspire students to thrive, overcome challenges, and give back to their communities, graduating with the intention of making a positive difference in the world for others. His leadership fosters inclusion, enthusiasm, and joy while building community and engaging staff, faculty, and students in campus-wide initiatives and projects.

Yasodha Gopal, M.D.
Associate Dean of Students for Health and Well-Being
Eliot Hall Room 204A / 503-517-5459
ygopal@reed.edu
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Yasodha Gopal, M.D. (she/her/hers) brings nearly three decades of experience as a physician and an advocate of college student well-being. She believes in an integrative and holistic model of well-being using the power of conversation to catapult us into collective healing.

Yasodha is devoted to her students and their families in cultivating mind, body and spirit through presence and inclusion. Her collaborative, compassionate, and student-centered support team includes Reed’s Health and Counseling Services, Athletics Facilities and Outdoor Programs, Sexual Health Advocacy Relationship and Education, and Community Well-Being. Dr. Gopal is thrilled to serve Reed College students and trusts that they are committed to finding joy and vitality through engagement in all aspects of campus life.

Claudia Ramírez Islas
Associate Dean of Students & Campus Life
28 West Room 118 / 503-517-7834
ramirezc@reed.edu
online calendar to follow
Claudia Ramírez Islas (she/her/hers) graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a Bachelor of Arts in studio art with a mathematics minor and graduated from San Diego State University with a Master of Arts in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Student Affairs. Driven by a passion for advocacy and social justice, Claudia prides herself in striving for diverse, equitable, inclusive and brave spaces for individuals to freely express themselves and share their stories of strength and resilience. Claudia is committed in transforming predominantly white spaces into more inclusive environments through the dissemination of systemic barriers that encumber the experience of historically marginalized populations by utilizing antiracist pedagogical practices.

Claudia proudly holds various identities that are often not represented at the institutional and leadership level which has prioritized her commitment to mentor, challenge, educate and empower others from marginalized backgrounds to proudly take up space, be bold and speak up, while utilizing one's privilege to educate and help elevate the voices of those not traditionally at the table.

Cameron Tanner
Assistant Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities
Eliot Hall Room 117 / 503-517-4798
tannerc@reed.edu
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Cameron (he/him) works to promote and support educational, equitable, and efficient student adjudicative and restorative processes. He is available to students to help them better understand or access processes and policies related to conflict, conduct, and individual or community harm.

Outside of his role on campus, Cameron is an avid Portland Timbers supporter and enjoys cheering them on at Providence Park or in other stadiums across North America.