NATCHITOCHES – Dr. Neeru Deep has been named interim dean of the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development at Northwestern State University. Deep will be interim dean as the university conducts a national search for a permanent dean. Her appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
Deep has been a member of Northwestern State’s faculty since 2002 and has served chair of the Department of Psychology for the past year.
“Dr. Deep is a thoughtful and kind leader who brings several unique perspectives to the role,” said Northwestern State Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Greg Handel. “While her primary field is psychology, she also has several degrees in education including an Ed.D. from Northwestern, and possesses several credentials that bring impactful perspective to this role.”
The College of Education and Human Development consists of the School of Education and the departments of Psychology and Addiction Studies, Health and Human Performance, Social Work and Military Science and Leadership. Other responsibilities include the NSU Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center, NSU Elementary Lab School, NSU Middle Lab School and NSU Child and Family Network. Her work will also require collaboration efforts with the Natchitoches Parish School Board.
Deep thanked NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, Handel and outgoing Dean of the College of Education and Human Development Dr. Kim McAlister for selecting her to serve as interim dean.
“My passion is to empower individuals and uplift communities through education,” said Deep. “My mantra is, ‘Education is the best gift we can give ourselves and others.’ The Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development has the legacy to educate students to reach their full potential and positively contribute to their personal and professional success. We have dedicated department heads, coordinators, faculty and staff who create innovative, collaborative, and transformative experiences for our students.”
Deep has 23 years of overall teaching experience. She received the Arthur Watson Endowed Professorship in Academic Accommodations at NSU. The professorship was established to enhance teaching, research and service activities in academic accommodation. Deep was named Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the year award in 2008.
She was founder of the Center for Positivity, Well-being, and Hope at Northwestern State. She has extensive experience conducting research and presenting at professional conferences. Deep has also worked to enhance the Department of Psychology through grants and royalties on textbooks.
“I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff, leaders, and stakeholders to continue to fulfill the mission of our college and University. As a leader, I aim to provide everyone with a positive, respectful, and collaborative environment where we empower/educate the next generation to be the best in their personal and professional life.”
Deep earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, a bachelor’s in education, a master’s degree in psychology, and a master’s degree in education from Panjab University, India, and a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State.
