In his new role as interim associate vice president and dean of students, Dr. Sammy Spann will encourage students to get engaged on campus.

Spann, who has served The University of Toledo for 15 years most recently as assistant provost for career services, experiential learning and international programs overseeing the Center for International Studies and Programs, was appointed to the role effective July 15.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Sammy’s commitment to students and passion for higher education on our campus. He will be an enthusiastic champion for student success as dean of students,” said Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, interim vice president of student affairs.

Spann, who has 18 years experience in higher education, joined UT in 2002 as director of Camp Adventure, a service-learning program he continues to be involved with today. Throughout his tenure at UT, he also has served as executive director of student engagement and assistant provost for international studies and programs.

“I look forward to working closely with students and my colleagues across the University to enhance the student experience here at UT,” Spann said. “I am passionate about getting students involved on campus and connected to opportunities to reinforce their education through real-world experiences. This is an exciting opportunity to help students be successful through those efforts.”

Sara Clark, director of global engagement and education abroad, will serve as the interim director for the Center for International Studies and Programs.

Spann is a UT alumnus receiving his PhD in special education from the University. He also has a master’s degree in special education and behavior disorders from the University of Northern Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Fort Valley State University in Georgia.

Prior to joining UT, Spann was a recruiter and retention specialist for Fort Valley State and a supervisor of education practicum experiences at Northern Iowa.