McSteen, Fahl to assist as interim dean of students, interim associate dean
Effective Oct. 24, the Division of Student Affairs will see a leadership transition, elevating three staff in the Office of the Dean of Students to serve in interim roles.
With the departure of Dr. Jason Pina, Dr. Jenny Hall-Jones will resume a familiar role as interim vice president for student affairs. During this period, the role of interim senior associate vice president and dean of students will be filled by Dr. Patti McSteen. Additionally, Kathy Fahl will assume McSteen’s position in the role of interim associate dean and director of the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program.
“I am confident in both Patti and Kathy’s ability to provide strong leadership not only to the Office of the Dean of Students, but to the division, university and Athens community. They are both consummate student advocates and I appreciate their willingness to step up and lead in their respective roles,” said Dr. Hall-Jones.
Dr. McSteen is currently the associate dean and director of the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program. She previously served as interim dean of students in 2007-08 and in 2016-17. In her interim role, Dr. McSteen will oversee University Well-Being and Recreation (which includes oversight for Student Health Insurance, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Promotion as well as Campus Recreation), Community Standards and Student Responsibility, Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Campus Involvement Center and will run the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Dean of Students.
She will continue to lead the Student Review and Consultation Committee (SRCC), OHIO’s behavioral intervention team. She is a life-long Bobcat, earning all three of her degrees at OHIO, and has worked in the dean’s office for more than 25 years. Dr. McSteen is well-known for her work in behavioral intervention, innovative program development, and collaboration with faculty and staff.
Fahl is currently the assistant dean in the Office of the Dean of Students and her prior work experience includes serving as the director of the Gender + Equality Center and coordinator of OU Advocates at the University of Oklahoma. As interim associate dean of students and director of the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program, Fahl will supervise the director of the Survivor Advocacy Program and lead the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program, an academic enrichment program that supports the development of undergraduate women.
She has been at OHIO since August 2018 and brings with her more than 25 years of critical and relevant work experience in the areas of advocacy, program development, and community collaboration. Originally from Michigan, earning a B.A. from Michigan State University and an MSW from Wayne State University, Fahl’s contributions since joining OHIO include creating and implementing the Emergency Microgrant program, re-locating and organizing the Cat’s Cupboard food pantry, and coordinating all Basic Needs efforts into the Bobcats Helping Bobcats umbrella.
Dr. Hall-Jones adds, “In the Office of the Dean of Students, our mission is to advocate for students, communicate with parents and families, and support students in crisis. Along with Patti and Kathy, we are lucky to have Assistant Dean Chad Barnhardt and Administrative Specialist Tammy Andrews. We are a dedicated and talented team, and I have full confidence that the office is in good hands.”
As announced on Sept. 21, 2020, Dr. Hall-Jones will serve as interim vice president for student affairs when Dr. Jason Pina leaves for New York University later this month.