Effective February 26, Ashley Wendler assumed the role of Dean of Residence Life & Student Housing (RLSH) ad interim.
This transition follows the departure of former Assistant Vice President and RLSH Dean, Melinda Carlson.
“I am excited about the opportunity this role presents, and am also hopeful and confident the search process will draw a very qualified candidate pool and that this will be a short-lived opportunity,” Wendler said. “I really enjoy my Director of Housing Operations role and want the time to continue to update systems and processes to enhance the student experience.”
While serving as Dean ad interim, Wendler does look forward to working with colleagues she does not see regularly as Director of Housing Operations. Wender remarked, “I’m excited to work a bit more with the Offices of Residence Life and Academic Initiatives during this time.”
Wendler plans on using this time to continue building a strong team for the next incoming Dean.
“I would like the new Dean of Residence Life & Student Housing to join a team that is fully staffed and ready to enter the 22-23 academic year, and spring is a great time to make sure we are entering the next academic year in a strong position to succeed,” Wendler said.
Wendler joined SMU and RLSH in April 2020, at the onset of the pandemic.
“I interviewed with SMU and accepted a position with a delayed start,” Wendler said. “Little did I know then that I would be moving across the country as the country was shutting down, and would arrive at SMU looking very different than when I interviewed. Most of the class of 2024 can probably relate to this.”
Wendler has spent most of her career working in residence life functional areas at various institutions.