Melissa Sturge-Apple Charts Recent Course for Warner School of Education
Melissa Sturge-Apple officially stepped into the role of Dean of the Warner School of Education and Human Development at the University of Rochester on January 1, 2026. Having served as interim dean since July 2024, her appointment marks a continuation of strategic leadership for the school.
A Legacy of Leadership at the University of Rochester
Sturge-Apple’s commitment to the University of Rochester spans two decades, beginning in 2006. Prior to leading the Warner School, she held key positions including Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Education (2019-2024) and Dean of Graduate Studies in Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (2016-2019). This diverse experience provides a comprehensive understanding of the University’s landscape and the unique needs of its various schools.
Focus on Family and Child Development
Dean Sturge-Apple’s research is deeply rooted in understanding family dynamics and child development. Her perform at the University’s Mount Hope Family Center focuses on families facing challenges, offering insights into parental functioning and effective support systems. This research background informs her vision for the Warner School, emphasizing the importance of addressing the holistic needs of children, and families.
From Counselor to Dean: A Career Trajectory
Before her administrative roles, Sturge-Apple spent six years as a middle and high school counselor, working directly with students and families navigating trauma and risk. This early experience shaped her dedication to education and well-being, ultimately leading her back to academia. She holds a PhD in developmental psychology from Notre Dame, building upon her bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics from the University of Rochester.
Building Bridges Across Disciplines
A key focus for Dean Sturge-Apple is strengthening collaborations across the University. She highlighted existing connections, such as the joint appointment of Nestor Tulagan in human development, and envisions expanding partnerships with departments like psychology, economics, political science, and anthropology. Collaboration with the Mount Hope Family Center and psychiatry are similarly seen as valuable opportunities.
Priorities for the Future: Student Success and Strategic Planning
Dean Sturge-Apple is committed to addressing key areas including faculty recruitment, student success initiatives, and strategic planning within the University of Rochester. She emphasizes the importance of actively listening to the Warner School community to identify and address their most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Essential Qualities of Leadership in Higher Education
According to Dean Sturge-Apple, effective leadership in higher education centers on a desire to make a positive impact and leave an institution better than it was found. She stresses the importance of patience, humility, data-driven decision-making, and building consensus among stakeholders.
Balancing Research, Teaching, and Administration
Recognizing the demands of multiple roles, Dean Sturge-Apple emphasizes the importance of organization, realistic goal-setting, and adaptability in balancing administrative responsibilities with ongoing research and teaching commitments.
A Personal Touch: Family and Community
Outside of academia, Dean Sturge-Apple prioritizes family time with her husband, a recently retired Men’s Soccer coach at the University of Rochester, and their two sons, one of whom is currently an undergraduate student at the University.
FAQ
Q: What is Dean Sturge-Apple’s research focus?
A: Her research centers on family processes, parental functioning, and child development, with a particular emphasis on families at risk.
Q: What are Dean Sturge-Apple’s priorities for the Warner School?
A: Her priorities include faculty searches, student success initiatives, research initiatives, and strategic planning.
Q: How does Dean Sturge-Apple plan to foster collaboration within the University?
A: She aims to build upon existing connections and create new partnerships with various departments and centers across the University.
Q: What is Dean Sturge-Apple’s educational background?
A: She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and her PhD in developmental psychology from Notre Dame.
Did you know? Dean Sturge-Apple first took a graduate course at the Warner School on child development immediately after graduating from the University of Rochester in 1992.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on the Warner School’s initiatives and Dean Sturge-Apple’s vision by visiting the Warner School of Education website.
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