Juan Casas, Ph.D., Appointed Dean for Graduate Studies

Dr. Casas has been an important part of the Maverick family for over 20 years as a professor of psychology. Dr. Casas also previously served as the Associate Director of the Office of Latino/Latin American Studies and Director of the Developmental Psychology Graduate Program. In July 2019, he began serving as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, later taking on the role of Acting Dean for Graduate Studies while the then Dean for Graduate Studies, Dr. Deborah Smith-Howell, took an interim position in Chancellor Li’s office. After serving five months as acting Dean for Graduate Studies, Dr. Casas was appointed Interim Dean for Graduate Studies beginning January 2022.

“I want to thank Dr. Casas for his leadership while serving as the Interim Dean of Graduate Studies at UNO since January 2022.” Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs said. “I am very pleased with the consistent and highly positive feedback from the campus community that he is a transparent and collaborative leader who is effective, thorough and fair; and who is passionate about student success.”

Dr. He has now appointed Dr. Juan Casas as Dean for Graduate Studies starting in a permanent capacity July 1, 2023, pending Board of Regents approval. “I am confident that Dr. Casas will lead the Office of Graduate Studies with an ambitious strategic vision to extend UNO’s success in delivering the highest quality graduate education to serve the state of Nebraska and our nation.”

“I am humbled to be offered this leadership position and to be able to continue partnering with all our dedicated and talented faculty and staff in our graduate programs.” Casas said. “I want to acknowledge and thank all the staff in Graduate Studies who work hard every day for the betterment of our programs and students. I look forward to continue working for our students and celebrating all their accomplishments.”