Dr. Genie Gertz appointed Dean of Gallaudet University College of Arts and Sciences

Gallaudet University announced that Dr. Genie Gertz was recently appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

Gertz, a Gallaudet alumnus, most recently served as Dean of the Deaf Studies Division at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif. She is a recognized leader in deaf education, a sought-after international speaker, and an advocate for the deaf community in organizations such as the National Association of the Deaf and Deaf Women United.

“Dr. Genie Gertz is a wonderful addition to the Gallaudet University community and she brings a wealth of experience in this vitally important role,” said President T. Alan Hurwitz. “Dr. Gertz is a leader in higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students and an innovator who has grown the deaf studies programs at her two previous institutions. She is also an ardent advocate for deaf women, deaf children, American Sign Language, and the deaf community as a whole.”

At Ohlone College, Gertz oversaw numerous programs, including community education, interpreter preparation, deaf studies, deaf education, international deaf students, and the Gallaudet University Regional Center-West. She successfully centralized programs and brought in funding for a state-of-the-art language laboratory, which allows deaf and American Sign Language students to engage in intensive language interaction. Gertz has also served as a faculty member in the Department of Deaf Studies at California State University at Northridge. She was an instrumental part of the program’s steady growth into one of the largest deaf studies programs in the nation.

“As a proud alumnus of Gallaudet University, I am honored to be back on campus as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Gertz. “CAS programs and courses are designed to cultivate inquiry and critical thinking, enhance communication, broaden knowledge of human experience, and foster an appreciation and understanding of a diverse world community. I am looking forward to welcoming students back for the start of the new academic year.”
Gertz received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts at Gallaudet University in 1992, a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development in Higher Education from New York University, and a Ph.D. in Social Sciences and Comparative Education with a focus on Cultural Studies with a Racial/Ethnic concentration from the University of California at Los Angeles. Born deaf, Gertz came to the United States from Russia when she was eight years old.

A restructuring of the Division of Academic Affairs led to the creation of CAS as well as the School of Education, Business, and Human Services, and a unit which will provide leadership for research, graduate studies, continuing studies, and international programs. As dean of CAS, Gertz oversees the academic departments of:

• American Sign Language and deaf studies
• Psychology
• Science
• Technology
• Mathematics
• History
• Philosophy
• Religion,
• Sociology
• Linguistics
• Art
• Communication and theatre
• General studies
• English
• Honors
• World languages and cultures

“As the world’s only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing students, we must ensure that our students and graduates are well-positioned for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world,” said Provost Stephen Weiner. “Dean Gertz is a highly motivated, seasoned administrator and educator who will help us identify and stay abreast and ahead of emerging trends in higher education and the workforce.”

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.