Brenau University has appointed Deirdre Cassell, WC ’13, as assistant vice president of the Undergraduate School & The Women’s College, effective June 2. Cassell earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from The Women’s College and completed the Honors Program.
“Cassell brings a decade of leadership experience at Brenau to this role,” Jim Eck, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs, said. “Her tenure has been marked by significant improvements in student outcomes, most notably the dramatic increase in retention rates between Fall 2020 and Fall 2024. During that time, Brenau had a 14 percentage point improvement among first-time/full-time students and a 27 percentage point improvement among transfer students.”
Under Cassell’s leadership, Brenau established two significant academic support initiatives: The Center for Academic Success, which provides comprehensive tutoring and learning services across all majors and modalities, and The English Language Institute, which offers intensive English instruction and a Pathway Program for international students seeking admission to undergraduate and graduate programs.
In her new role, Cassell will maintain oversight of current initiatives while supporting several key programs, including the Executive MBA for Women, the GOLD co-curricular program, the Women’s College Ideal Collective, the Honors program and First-year Experience.
Cassell will assume oversight of The Women’s College upon the retirement of Debra Dobkins, Ph.D., after 27 years at Brenau, including most recently as assistant vice president and dean of The Women’s College.
“The university extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Dobkins for her decades of distinguished service to Brenau,” President David. L. Barnett, Ph.D., said. “Her work as a professor, mentor and leader have made a difference in the lives of thousands of young women who have been forever changed by the unique experience of The Women’s College education model.”
The university community will honor Dobkins’s contributions during several upcoming events, including the Women’s Leadership Colloquium, which she founded; Alumni Reunion Weekend; the Innovation, Inquiry & Creativity Symposium; The Women’s College Baccalaureate; and Commencement.
Cassell’s career at Brenau began as laboratory director in the Department of Math & Science. She became a full-time chemistry instructor in 2017 and was promoted to assistant professor in 2021. In 2018, she expanded her role to include administrative leadership in academic affairs. As coordinator of special projects for the Provost’s Office, she chaired the Student Success Team, coordinated the Arader Arts & Sciences Collaborative, and served as campus liaison and faculty fellow for the Sullivan Foundation. She was appointed the executive director of academic initiatives and student success in June 2021.
Cassell has also overseen the Office of Accessibility Services, coordinated academic events and international partnerships, and fostered collaboration across university divisions to enhance student persistence and experience.
Cassell earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Georgia State University. She is active with Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity as academic advisor to the collegiate Omicron chapter and vice president of communication for the Gainesville, Georgia alumnae chapter.
