Houghton Appoints Dean of Education and Behavioral Science

Houghton University names Michele Vanasse, Ph.D. as the Inaugural Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science, a position funded by a $3 million endowment gift from an anonymous donor.

Houghton University today announced the appointment of Michele Vanasse, Ph.D. as the inaugural Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science, strengthening its commitment to preparing values-centered, effective educators committed to serving students and families. The appointment aligns with Houghton’s mission of equipping scholar-servants who will make meaningful contributions in education and behavioral science contexts. As New York’s leading evangelical Christian university, Houghton is strategically positioned to prepare highly effective, ethical educators for schools and school districts across New York State and the Northeast. Vanasse brings extensive expertise in community-centered learning and responsive teaching strategies.

$3 Million Gift Enhances Educational Leadership

Vanasse’s appointment concludes a national search that launched with the announcement of an anonymous $3 million gift to create an endowed chair that will be known as the Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science. The deanship celebrates the life and legacy of Ellen F. Donley, a Houghton alumna from the Class of 1938, and her lifelong commitment to love, faith and education. Her example serves as a testament to the impact educators can make both at Houghton and in the many schools where they touch lives.

Houghton’s president, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., a former classroom teacher, education professor, education school dean and state commissioner of education, shared his excitement about Vanasse’s appointment and his intention to continue investment in Houghton’s historically strong programs in education and psychology. “It is a privilege to welcome Dr. Vanasse to Houghton University to provide leadership for our programs in education and behavioral science,” said Lewis. “Houghton’s niche in educator preparation and psychology is preparing Christians to serve in diverse settings in a manner that is consistent with their Christian faith and in alignment with the needs and expectations of their settings and those they serve. Christians don’t have to compromise their faith to serve diverse students and clients well. Dr. Vanasse’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening and expanding Houghton’s education and behavioral science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, while maintaining Houghton’s enduring commitment to Christ-centered education.”

Throughout the selection process, Vanasse demonstrated her ability to understand the challenges facing today’s students and educators and use educator preparation and professional learning to prepare teachers to face those challenges with skill and compassion. With a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a concentration in Teacher Education and School Improvement, alongside an M.S.Ed. from Montana State University-Northern and a B.A. in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies from Trinity Bible College, Vanasse brings a robust educational and theological foundation to the role.

“Dr. Vanasse brings nearly two decades of experience as a professor and administrator in higher education in both public and Christ-centered institutions,” said David Davies, Provost and Dean of the Faculty. “Dr. Vanasse articulates a clear vision for training Christian young people for lives of service and leadership as educators in a variety of contexts. We look forward to supporting her in that calling as the inaugural Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science, and to seeing how God will use her leadership to further establish Houghton University as the Northeast’s preeminent choice for teacher education from a Christ-centered perspective.”

Vanasse currently serves as Assistant Professor of Education at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, following previous roles at Eastern Nazarene College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she has specialized in teacher education with a focus on culturally responsive teaching methods and effective approaches to classroom instruction. She also served for nearly a decade in K-12 public education as a classroom teacher, grant coordinator and professional and faculty developer. As a federally enrolled Native American tribal member of the Gros Ventre tribe from the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana, Vanasse also has a passion for Native American education. She would like to be a part of strengthening and expanding Houghton’s relationships with New York’s Native American communities.

Strengthening a Legacy of Success to Meet Future Needs

Vanasse builds on a solid foundation of Houghton’s leadership in education, including more than 850 alumni serving as teachers and educational leaders throughout New York, Pennsylvania and Ontario. With exceptional programs in psychology and teacher education, Houghton continues to attract students from across the Northeast at a time when there has never been a greater need in the region for highly effective, values-centered educators and practitioners committed to serving students and families well. The University recently expanded its educational offerings through the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Adolescent Education program, designed specifically to open pathways for more individuals to become Christian educators in today’s challenging educational landscape.

“This program paired with Dr. Vanasse’s leadership represents not just a response to the critical teacher shortage, but a powerful opportunity to prepare educators who can navigate today’s complex educational environments while standing firm in their Christian convictions,” concluded Lewis. “These graduates go on to be more than teachers: they are fearless ambassadors for Jesus Christ who will transform education while honoring the families and communities they serve.”