Susan D. Gotsch
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dean of Faculty

Susan D. Gotsch was named vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Whittier College in 2003. She is also a professor of sociology. Since her arrival at Whittier, she has been involved in projects that include the development of a new Liberal Education Program with clear learning outcomes, successful grant writing to support technology in the classroom, several Title V projects (for Hispanic-Serving Institutions), science programs and science space, and global learning initiatives. Her proudest accomplishment is working with faculty to achieve a more diverse faculty and curriculum.

Prior to Whittier, she held a similar position for 10 years at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. Gotsch's accomplishments there include hiring a more diverse faculty and completing a new interdisciplinary science center. Before her appointment at Hartwick, she was at Arcadia University, where she served as associate dean of the college from 1989 to 1991, with additional responsibilities as dean of continuing education from 1991 to 1993. Prior to that, she worked in administration and taught at Rowan University. She began her career in higher education in 1977, as an assistant professor of sociology at Tuskegee University.

Gotsch earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from Bryn Mawr College, an M.A. in political science from East Stroudsburg State University, and a B.A. in history from Valparaiso University. She has served as the Chair of the American Council of Academic Deans, a national professional organization, and currently serves on the Wye Faculty Seminar Board.

Gotsch is married to Ron Thomson, a consultant to state and national parks and to museums, and the couple resides in Whittier. Their daughter Jessica Jin Hwa Thomson lives in Vermont with her husband.

Contact

Office: Mendenhall, First Floor
Tel: 562.907.4204
E-mail: sgotsch@whittier.edu