Dr. Schroer is an ethicist and philosopher specializing in race and feminist theory. Her work centers on fostering accessible, restorative practices that promote joyful and inclusive human flourishing. As an Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Schroer has played a key role in shaping policies that enable all students to succeed. Dr. Schroer is also a passionate community leader. She has served as board chair of the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) and co-founded the Black Liberation Lab, an organization dedicated to empowering Black residents of Duluth through self-definition, healing, and meaningful community engagement.
“Having distinguished herself as a scholar, engaged community member, and compassionate leader, Jeanine is a great fit for the Associate Dean role. I am thrilled to welcome her to this key leadership role in the college, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work and learn alongside her,” Dr. Jennifer Brady, interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, said.
As the Associate Dean from July 2022 to June 2025, Dr. Mitra Emad prioritized faculty and student wellbeing as a pedagogical engagement and created new pathways for fostering resilience at institutional, classroom, and individual levels. Mitra brought 25 years of experience at the intersections of cultural studies, pedagogy, and wellbeing to the Associate Dean role. She was the founder and board chair of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at UMD from 2016-2019, and was recognized through several major teaching awards, including the system-wide Horace T. Morse award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education.
We thank Mitra for her service, and look forward to working with her as she leads several exciting initiatives: the Collaborative Learning for Advancing Student Success (CLASS) and The Hub for Integrated Learning and Leadership (The HILL). In these complementary roles, she will partner with people across campus to integrate and synergize student success efforts.