Shonda M. Craft
Interim Dean Shonda M. Craft will continue as dean of the School of Health and Human Services at St. Cloud State University.
Craft has served as interim dean since June 2017 and was named dean after a national search.
“I’m excited for the future opportunities here at St. Cloud State University,” Craft said. “Over the past 10 months my time here has been professionally challenging and rewarding, and I feel that I have grown tremendously as a leader.”
Craft credits Interim President Ashish Vaidya and Interim Provost Dan Gregory for their support the faculty and staff in the School of Health and Human Services for their openness throughout the transition period. She is looking forward to becoming more involved in St. Cloud and sharing her strengths with the community.
Prior to coming to St. Cloud, Craft served as associate dean for the College of Community Studies and Public Affairs at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. She has also served as acting and associate dean for the College of Health, Community and Professional Studies at Metropolitan State. She also served for seven years as an assistant professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota.
The Lima, Ohio, native has served in various leadership roles at Metropolitan State including President’s Cabinet, Extended Management Team, Academic and Student Affairs Council and Strategic Planning Advisory Council, among others.
Craft obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in human development and family science from The Ohio State University.
The School of Health and Human Services serves about 2,500 students by preparing them for health and human services careers. The school’s 25 programs are collaborative and interdisciplinary and offer students a range of opportunities and community partnerships.
Craft succeeded Monica Devers who served as dean from 2013-2017 and interim dean from 2011-2013.
