Since the last Eastern Michigan University Dean of Students retired in July, the provost's office has been maintaining the office as the university searched to find the right candidates to fill the position.
The job description of the dean of students is listed as follows: “Provides leadership and management of several offices that plan, develop, and administer the non-academic and co-curricular aspects of the student experience that engage and advance student development, learning, student retention, and success at Eastern Michigan University.” The dean of students will handle student conduct in disciplinary matters, behavioral concerns, violations of the student conduct code, and other non-academic student issues. In some cases, EMU's Department of Public Safety will refer issues to the dean of students instead of pursuing charges.
Renee’ T. Watson, one of four final candidates for the position, began her career in higher education in 2006. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. She received two bachelor's degrees from the University of Kansas in General Studies and African American Studies. She went on to earn a master's degree in Education, with a concentration in Adult Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri at Saint Louis, as well as her Doctor of Education with a focus in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University.
From 2022 to 2024, Watson worked as the vice president for student affairs at Central Michigan University. She has also worked as the associate vice president of student life at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the associate dean of students at Illinois State University.
Over an email conversation with The Eastern Echo, Watson wrote, “My interest in EMU begins with a genuine desire to serve at a public, comprehensive university on a diverse campus — in a senior leadership role where I can have direct impact on students and the broader community. Eastern’s commitment to access and opportunity resonates with me. EMU students bring a wide range of lived experiences, and that diversity is a strength. As a leader, I value institutions where different perspectives are not only present but celebrated.”
Watson sees the Dean of Students position as the person responsible for making sure that students feel supported, no matter the circumstances.
“Students should not have to understand the university’s organizational chart to get help. The role is about connecting care and accountability, making sure students are supported while also maintaining community standards that protect everyone,” she wrote.
She wrote to The Echo that she was motivated to apply for the position, because EMU values student voices and has the capacity to integrate their ideas.
“At this stage in my career, I am motivated by student experience outcomes: belonging, access, retention, and holistic growth. EMU serves students who are working hard — often balancing multiple responsibilities. I want to be part of ensuring that when students face challenges, the response feels coordinated, compassionate, and intentional," Watson wrote.
When asked about the biggest challenges that EMU students face, Watson wrote, “Students today are navigating financial stress, mental health pressures, balancing work and academics, and identity development in a polarized world. Many students are also carrying invisible responsibilities — supporting family members, working long hours, or navigating systems on their own. The challenge is not just providing services — it is making sure those services are accessible, equitable, visible, and stigma-free.”
She listed some of her top goals if she becomes the new dean of students:
- “Visible and Approachable Leadership – Students should know their dean of students. This means creating regular opportunities for open dialogue and engagement.
- Seamless Support – Students should not feel bounced from office to office.
- Belonging – Every student should feel that EMU is a place where they matter.
- Clear Communication – Students should know where to go, what to expect and who is in their corner.”
Watson views success beyond academic performance as feeling like you belong, knowing how to ask for help, building resilience, developing leadership skills, and graduating with confidence, not just credits.
“Success means you leave EMU not only with a degree, but with clarity about who you are and who you are becoming,” she wrote.
When asked what she would like students to hear directly from her, Watson wrote, “You belong here. You deserve support that is coordinated and responsive. If I have the privilege of serving as dean of students, my commitment would be to ensure that you do not navigate challenges alone — and that the systems meant to support you feel supportive and intentional. My role is not just administrative. It is relational. And students should always feel that there is someone steady, accessible and invested in their success.”
Editor's note: The Eastern Echo is covering the final candidates for Eastern Michigan University's dean of students position. This is one of four stories about each of the final candidates. To read about candidates Aura Cazares, Matthew Gregory and Jeanette Zalba, click the corresponding links.
