The university recently announced Ophelie Rowe-Allen as the new dean of students and chief student affairs officer. Rowe-Allen replaced retiring dean of students, Rebecca Johnson, who had been with the university since 1980.

“As the new Dean, I am looking forward to engaging with the campus community to provide a substantial co-curricular learning experience,” said Rowe-Allen. “I am also looking forward to the students’ excitement of learning and self-discovery due to the vibrant undergraduate and graduate experience at UNH.”

Rowe-Allen has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from St. Thomas University, and she received her doctorate in counseling education and supervision from Argosy University.

Before coming to New Haven, Rowe-Allen worked at Fairfield University for 13 years as the associate dean of students and director of residence life, associate dean of assessment, and the director of student diversity and multicultural affairs.

In the email announcement, University of New Haven president Steven H. Kaplan said, “We are delighted to have Dr. Rowe-Allen joining our Charger community. I am confident that she will help us build on the remarkable success to date of our student affairs programming and add incredible value for the lifeblood of this institution – our students.”

Rowe-Allen said that some opportunities she hopes to focus on include:

• Enhancing UNH’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by supporting the Chief Diversity Officer and building strong partnerships with students, staff, and faculty on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Advocating for students by working collaboratively with various parts of the administration to meet students’ ever-evolving needs and transform the student experience.
• Supporting student development through the delivery of a diverse range of co-curricular learning experiences and competencies

Rowe-Allen began at the university in mid-July.