SMITHFIELD, RI – After an extensive national search that attracted more than 100 candidates from the country’s finest institutions, Bryant University has appointed Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students effective August 29, 2019. Ameer most recently served as Dean of Students at Colby College in Waterville, ME, and previously held leadership positions in student affairs and academic advising at Dartmouth College and Harvard University. She brings a broad knowledge of higher education leadership and management and an extensive record of accomplishment, collaboration with faculty, and visionary initiatives to this key position on the Cabinet of Bryant University President Ronald K. Machtley.
Ameer succeeds John Saddlemire, Ed.D., who stepped down in May to pursue other opportunities in higher education and to spend more time with his family.
“We look forward to welcoming Dr. Ameer to Bryant’s community of scholars at the start of this 2019-20 academic year,” said Machtley. “We had several exceptionally strong candidates from across the country, and in making our decision that she would be the best fit for Bryant we were impressed by her passion for Bryant’s mission and dedication to ensuring a transformational experience for all students.”
“Dr. Ameer embraces Bryant’s commitment to educating the whole student in an environment of academic excellence,” Machtley said. “She brings excellent ideas for working with colleagues and students across the University to build on our success and create an even stronger community going forward.”
“I am inspired by Bryant’s deep commitment to student success and academic excellence,” Ameer noted, “and I look forward to joining the University’s student-centered community. It is a great pleasure to be joining President Machtley’s executive leadership team that is so clearly dedicated to changing students’ lives for the better and preparing them well for future success.”
Ameer comes to Bryant with a distinguished career in student affairs. As Dean of Students at Colby College, she provided leadership for an extensive portfolio of functional areas including residential life and education, student engagement and activities, outdoor education, health services, counseling services, conduct, and Title IX. While at Colby, Ameer implemented a faculty-in-residence program and spearheaded planning for the campus’s first live-learn residence hall.
Prior to Colby, she held roles of increasing responsibility for student affairs at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, ultimately serving as Vice Provost for Student Affairs. Before joining the student affairs team at Dartmouth, Ameer served as Assistant Dean, Harvard College Advising Programs Office at Harvard University in Massachusetts. Her passion for the student experience started during her time as a Resident Assistant at Beloit College. Ameer began her professional career as a high school teacher at Mayfield Senior School for Girls in Pasadena, CA.
Ameer holds a Doctor of Education degree in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy as well as a Master of Education degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy with a concentration in higher education from Harvard University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Government and History from Beloit College in Wisconsin.
The search committee for this key Cabinet appointment, led by co-chairs Michelle Cloutier, Vice President of Enrollment Management, and Tim Paige, Vice President of Human Resources, conducted a thorough process that included the perspectives and participation of many members of the Bryant community. In addition to its co-chairs, the search committee included faculty members Allison Butler, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Applied Psychology; Lookman Buky Folami, Ph.D.; Professor of Accounting; students Hernan Garcia '21 and Via Valenti '21, president of Bryant Student Government; and staff colleagues Wendy Samter, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; John Ruppert, Senior Associate Director of Athletics; Vincent Benoit, Public Safety Officer, Department of Public Safety; Kelly Boutin, Assistant Director PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Hochberg Women’s Center and Pride; Scott Connolly, Assistant Director Career Services, the Amica Center for Career Education; and Kevin Martins, Ed.D.; Director, PWC Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Special Assistant to the President for Inclusive Excellence.
About Bryant University
Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. is a leading private university offering an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education. Founded in 1863, Bryant University has approximately 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students from 32 states and 66 countries. Bryant University is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, and Barron's. Visit www.Bryant.edu.
