Dana Lawless-Andric

Over 25 years of experience in higher education focused on access, educational opportunity, community engagement, student success, and more.  Dr. Dana was appointed to build University Outreach & Engagement in 2020 to lead the university’s commitment to strong community relationships and mission-driven educational access work.

Dr. Dana leads University Outreach & Engagement. She specifically serves as the Town & Gown liaison for the City of Kent.  She also leads work to develop and promote mission-driven university level educational and community-based outreach and access initiatives.  She represents Kent State on various boards and community-based organizations too.

Prior to this role, Dr. Dana has served as an associate vice president for what is currently the Division of People, Culture & Belonging.  She has worked at the state, regional and federal levels on policy and educational opportunities initiatives.  She teaches in the departments of Cultural Foundations of Education; Higher Education Administration; and, Research & Evaluation.    

Direct Reports

 Sonya Williams - Executive Director  
 Jenn Bishop - Coordinator of Operations and Special Projects  
 Danielle Green-Welch -  Outreach Program Director, Purple Umbrella & FPBF
 Donald Bean - Director of College Credit Plus Academic Partnerships and Student Engagement  
 Kristin Bechter - Director of College Credit Plus Policy and Data Management  
 Sherylynn Chapman-Thomas - Director of Pre-College Programs and Initiatives