Dean's Office Directory

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Dean
Kate Murphy

She/Her/Hers

Bldg. 47, Room 31
805-756-2706
Email Dean Murphy

Kate Murphy began her role as interim dean of Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts in August 2024. Since joining Cal Poly in 2007, she has made significant contributions as a professor and department chair for the History Department. Most recently, she has served as associate dean for student success in the College of Liberal Arts since July 2021, overseeing advising and student services. As associate dean, she oversaw the administration and assessment of the college’s graduate programs, the college’s admissions and student recruitment efforts and led the college’s efforts to become more transfer-friendly.

Murphy's academic achievements are widely recognized. Her research on the history of science and the slave trade has received external funding from numerous institutions, including the National Science Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). Her research has resulted in over a dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, as well as her recent book, “Captivity's Collections: Science, Natural History, and the Transatlantic British Slave Trade.”

Murphy holds a doctorate and master’s degree in history from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Virginia. She has presented her research at conferences and invited talks to both historical and scientific audiences and has published articles in esteemed journals such as Plants, People, Planet; The William and Mary Quarterly; Early American Studies; and The British Journal for the History of Science.

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Interim Associate Dean for Student Success
Lauren Kolodziejski

She/Her/Hers

Bldg. 47, Room 31
805-756-2359
Email Lauren Kolodziejski

 

 

Associate Dean for Diversity and Curriculum
Julie Bettergarcia

She/Her/Hers

Bldg. 47, Room 31
805-756-0781
Email Julie Bettergarcia

Director of Research Engagement
Jane L. Lehr

She/Her/Hers

Email Jane L. Lehr

Faculty Fellow for HR and Academic Personnel
Professor and Associate Chair of Ethnic Studies
Grace Yeh

She/Her/Hers

805-756-6229
Email Grace Yeh

Faculty Fellow for Facilities and ITS
Professor and Interim Department Chair, Graphic Communications
Xiaoying Rong

She/Her/Hers

805-756-2027
Email Xiaoying Rong

STAFF	Name & Title	Office	CONTACT	Pronouns
Administrative Support
	Receptionist Heidi Velasco	Bldg. 47, Room 31	805-756-2359   email Heidi Velasco	she/her/hers
	Executive Assistant to the Dean Lynne Ricard	Bldg. 47, Room 31	805-756-2706   email Lynne Ricard	she/her/hers
	Faculty Recruitment and Contract Analyst Ashley Davis	Bldg. 47, Room 31	805-756-7678   email Ashley Davis	she/her/hers
	Evaluations Process Analyst Melissa Bodin	Bldg. 47, Room 31	805-756-2337   email Melissa Bodin	she/her/hers
	Finance and Budget Analyst Joy Sisler	Bldg. 47, Room 31	805-756-5755   email Joy Sisler	she/her/hers
College Advisors
	Lead Academic Advisor Sabrina Canady	Bldg. 47, Room 36R	805-756-6200   email Sabrina Canady	she/her/hers
	Academic Advisor Katie Harris	Bldg. 47, Room 36R	805-756-6200   email Katie Harris	she/her/hers
	Multicultural Academic Advisor Alejandra Cebreros	Bldg. 47, Room 36R	805-756-6200   email Alejandra Cebreros	she/her/hers
	Academic Advisor Eric Cuvelier	Bldg. 47, Room 36R	email Eric Cuvelier	he/him/his
	Academic Advisor Catherine Castro	Bldg. 47, Room 36R	email Catherine Castro
Development Office
	Senior Director of Development Moon-ja Yunouye-Petz	Bldg. 47, Room 31	805-756-6776   email Moon-ja Yunouye-petz	she/her/hers
	Administrative Coordinator Chrissy Ybarra	Bldg. 47, Room 31	805-756-6246   email Chrissy Ybarra	she/her/hers
College Communications
	Lead Communications Specialist Cara King	Bldg. 47, Room 36N	805-756-1216   email Cara King	she/her/hers
	Communications Specialist Vacant