CWU selects new dean of Education and Professional Studies

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University’s College of Education and Professional Studies has chosen Selena Castro to fill its vacant Associate Dean position starting Feb. 16 according to a statement from CWU.

Castro will bring her extensive experience in higher education leadership and strategic planning to CEPS, helping lead the college into a new chapter of empowering students and faculty.

CEPS Dean Sathy Rajendran said Castro’s unique skillset is what ultimately drove the college’s decision to hire her.

“Dr. Castro has focused her career on helping students succeed, and her unique experience in both academic affairs and student affairs is what the college needs as we move towards the implementation phase of our new student success-focused strategic priorities,” he said, adding that her experience will complement the current CEPS leadership team. Dr. Jenny Dechaine-Berkas serves as the college’s other Associate Dean.

A native of Washington state, Castro earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, master’s in communication, and PhD in higher education leadership, all from Washington State University. Her research centered around framing and perspectives of American Indians in news media; adult transitions in college; understanding the characteristics of the sophomore slump; and the impact of student-faculty relationships on student persistence and retention.

In her professional career, Castro has served as Director of Student Success and Transition Programs at Washington State University in Pullman, Director of Academic Advising at CSU Fresno in California, Dean of Student Enrollment and Completion at Clark College in Vancouver, and most recently as the Dean of Student Success and Academic Partnerships at Tillamook Bay Community College in Oregon.

Among her many strengths, Castro has leadership experience in early college credit programs for high school students through Accelerated Learning and has developed articulation agreements, including two and two-degree pathways, four-year guarantee programs, and early “Grow Your Own” programs starting at high schools.

Castro’s personal philosophy emphasizes collaboration and service, putting the student experience first and foremost in her leadership roles.

“Each day presents an opportunity to do something great in support of staff, faculty, and our students,” she said. “I’m committed to working with CEPS staff and faculty and helping our students achieve their goals.”