Travis Imel

Travis Imel is the Dean of Student Affairs at Gallaudet University. He is known for his innovative mindset, collaborative approach, relationship-building skills, dedication to positive experiences, and communication.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Dean Imel spent his formative years in a Deaf program in a public school before transitioning to mainstream education from 6th-7th grade. He then transferred to the Washington School for the Deaf, where he eventually graduated in 1995. Dean Imel has one older sister who also grew up in Seattle and continues to reside there.

Dean Imel has built an impressive 20+ year career at Gallaudet, starting in the Division of Student Affairs beginning in 2002 as a Residential Education Coordinator (CRE) and moving up the ranks to serve as the Residence Life and Housing Program Manager, the Special Assistant to the Dean (of Student Affairs), and the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs before being appointed as the Dean of Student Affairs. In his current role as Dean, Dean Imel oversees 10 departments and units that serve the Gallaudet student community, ensuring that Gallaudet students have positive experiences and the necessary tools and resources to succeed post-graduation. Dean Imel sits on the Executive Team and is also an active member of various committees and groups within the university such as serving as the chair of the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), Finance and Planning Committee (FPC), Information Technology Steering Committee (ITSC), among others.

When he is not serving the Gallaudet community, Dean Imel enjoys playing corn hole and computer games, biking, and reading sci-fi books. He also loves trying out new cuisines and has a particular fondness for Thai, Ethiopian, and Mexican food. Dean Imel holds dual bachelorette degrees earned in 2000 in secondary education and history from Gallaudet, as well as a Masters in Deaf Education, which he earned in 2002 from Gallaudet as well.