Area university names assistant dean of graduate studies

SARASOTA — Sandra Stone was appointed assistant dean of graduate studies at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus. In addition to other roles, Stone was regional chancellor of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus from 2014 to 2017.

A newly created position, the assistant dean of graduate studies is responsible for promoting, expanding and enhancing the campus’ graduate-degree programs, according to a press release. Stone expects to work closely with campus deans and department heads and continue to serve as a professor teaching criminology.

The Sarasota-Manatee campus offers master’s degrees in business administration, criminal justice, educational leadership, elementary education, hospitality management and social work. Courses are offered both on campus and through distance learning.

“I saw this as a good opportunity to be part of something new and to help our existing programs flourish while bringing new programs to the campus,” says Stone in a statement. 

Stone’s initial plans include meeting with academic leaders to assess the campus’ existing programs and meeting with business, nonprofit and government representatives to determine the types of new programs that would be welcome. She also plans to continue discussions regarding the introduction of Doctor of Philosophy programs to the Sarasota-Manatee campus, the release states, and ways to provide opportunities for graduate assistants to engage in research projects. 

Stone is the former chair of the campus’ social sciences department, in addition to her role as regional chancellor. She previously served as vice president of academic affairs at Dalton State College in Georgia. 

USF serves more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee.