By: Matthew Revels, Sports Editor
Newman has been without a Dean of Students since Sara Mata left Newman at the end of the fall semester.
But the university has recently appointed someone to take over on an interim basis.
Andi Giesen’s first day with Newman was Feb. 13, and although the hiring process is still ongoing, Giesen said she’s hoping to stay.
“I plan to stay as long as Newman and I are a good fit for each other. This week of having a rigorous onboarding schedule has proved to be quite promising given the grand warm welcome,” she said.
Giesen is not unfamiliar with Wichita as she studied at Wichita State, graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in education administration and Supervision, and Doctor of Education degree in education leadership.
“My work experience includes having been a reading specialist, a building principal, a superintendent for a small rural school district (South Barber USD 255), and, most recently, a district administrator for a large urban school district (USD 259 in Wichita.)”
Her goals for the year include getting to know the campus.
“The goals I have for myself getting started include getting to know the larger culture of Newman University and to learn the most about who does what so I can become the best resource and leader for my departments,” Giesen said.
Outside of school, Giesen said she likes to enjoy her family time.
“My husband, Bill, and I have five grown daughters and their families, whom we love to see flourish. We enjoy traveling and watching our 14 grandchildren do their sports and activities. We live next to a lake and enjoy pontoon trips around the shore.”
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Andi Giesen, Linkedin
