Higher Education Leader to Help Advance Student Success and Strengthen Regional Partnerships
LA VERNE, Calif., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The University of La Verne has named Katy Tangenberg as the new dean of the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being, effective June 16, 2025. Tangenberg brings more than two decades of leadership in academia, social work, and health sciences— expertise that positions her to drive transformative change for students and the broader healthcare community.
"We are pleased that Dr. Tangenberg has chosen to join us and lead the ongoing work of building our newest college," said University of La Verne President Risa Dickson. "Her experience and knowledge of the community will be key to positioning the college within the university and the region."
Tangenberg joins the University of La Verne from Seattle Pacific University, where she serves as dean of the School of Psychology, Family & Community, leading academic program development, faculty mentorship, and institutional accreditation. Previously, she was the founding director and chair of the Master of Social Work program at Azusa Pacific University and served as associate dean of the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences.
"The University of La Verne has found an exceptional leader to guide the college through its next phase of growth and development," said Ken O'Donnell, incoming provost. "In conversations with committee members, the campus community, and me, she stood out for her interpersonal effectiveness, candor, and warmth."
Tangenberg holds a PhD in social welfare from the University of Washington and has authored numerous publications on faith-based social services, gender and leadership, and healthcare access. Her academic expertise and commitment to community engagement align with the university's interdisciplinary approach and student success goals.
Tangenberg expressed enthusiasm about her return to the region, saying, "I am excited to join the University of La Verne to support and collaborate with the exceptional faculty and staff of the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being. Having remained connected to this area, I recognize the tremendous potential of the college to serve the region and provide opportunities for students to advance their educational goals."
Established in 2022, the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being is dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in health and the social determinants of health. Named in 2023 for AltaMed president and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha, the college addresses the critical need for healthcare professionals in Southern California. It offers eight undergraduate and graduate programs in health administration, child life, psychology, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, kinesiology, and athletic training.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE
The University of La Verne is a private, nonprofit institution with comprehensive academic and professional programs to meet the dynamic needs of today's competitive workforce. Since 1891, the university has prepared students for personal and professional success with programs rooted in a liberal education that embraces ethical reasoning, diversity and inclusion, lifelong learning, and civic and community engagement. It is nationally recognized and consistently holds rankings on the U.S. News & World Report Best Education Schools, National University, Best Value Schools, Top Performers on Social Mobility, and Best Online Programs list. It was also recognized as a 2024 Wall Street Journal Best U.S. College and among the top 15 schools for student experience and social mobility. Classes are offered at the historic La Verne campus, through regional California locations, and online. Learn more at laverne.edu.
Media Contact
Jamie K. Ayala, University of La Verne, 909-448-4999, [email protected], https://laverne.edu/
SOURCE University of La Verne
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