President David R. Harris has appointed Fran’Cee Brown-McClure as the new vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
In her role as a member of the president’s senior staff, Brown-McClure will oversee the Kenney Community Center, Campus Safety, Counseling Services, Health Services, Career Services, Minerva Programs, First Year and Senior Year Class Deans, Accommodative Services, International Student Advising, Residential Life, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Activities and Hospitality.
The dean of students at Spelman College in Atlanta, Brown-McClure was selected from among dozens of candidates following a national search. She succeeds Stephen Leavitt, who, after 15 years in the position, will return to the classroom as professor of anthropology.
Brown-McClure begins her new job July 1.
In welcoming her to the Union community, Harris cited Brown-McClure’s extensive background in student affairs, her experience in a range of positions that enhanced the student experience, and her connection to relevant national networks and professional associations.
“Dr. Brown-McClure has an impressive background in student affairs at Spelman College, Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin,” Harris said. “She brings an energy and passion to the job that will enhance the student experience at Union. We look forward to incorporating her perspectives into the ongoing strategic planning process.”
At Spelman, Brown-McClure serves as a bridge between the student body and the administration. She has oversight of Student Life and Engagement, Commuter Student Services, Campus Inclusion efforts, the Student Access Center and Student Conduct. She also serves as a deputy Title IX coordinator.
Before joining Spelman, Brown-McClure was an associate dean of Residential Education at Stanford University.
Brown-McClure received a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin in Educational Administration, a master’s in social work from Boston University and a bachelor of science in psychology from Jackson State University in Mississippi.
She has participated in the Senior Leadership Academy sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges and is a member of the 2018 Class of LEAD Atlanta. She currently serves as a track coordinator for the Gehring Academy and is working on a chapter of a book on student conduct.
Brown-McClure is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also advises and sits on various local boards.
She speaks throughout the country with students about topics such as leadership in Greek Life and emotionally intelligent leadership. She has presented nationally on motherhood and management, black girl magic, cross-generational working relationships and the importance of cross-racial friendships.
She said her greatest accomplishment is being the mother of her nine-year-old daughter, McKenzie.
“I am delighted to be joining the Union community,” Brown-McClure said. “As I went through the search process and met with students, faculty and staff, I knew right away that this was a special place. I look forward to working with President Harris and the leadership team as we develop new and exciting ways to enhance the student experience that help to make a difference in the Union community.”