Wayne State University

Dean of Students Office
5221 Gullen Mall
351 Student Center
(313) 577-1010
doso@wayne.edu

HOME > MEET THE STAFF

Dean of Students Dr. David J. Strauss Dr. David J. Strauss has been Dean of Students since January 2002, the first Dean of Students for WSU in more than 30 years. Dr. Strauss received his Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University, his Masters degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Indiana University, and his Bachelors degree in Economics from Bucknell University. Dr. Strauss grew up in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Strauss' wife of 18 years is Amy and he has a son Nate, 12 and a daughter Caroline 6. Dr. Strauss invites you to stop by his office anytime for candy, conversation (he loves to tell you stories about the many things on his wall), and any assistance you need.

Associate Dean Student Conduct Officer Rick Earnest Rick Earnest has been an employee of Wayne State University for over 20 years. During his tenure, he has held such diverse positions as University Ombudsperson and Senior Assistant Director of Student Center and Program Activities. Mr. Earnest is currently the Associate Dean of Students and the University's Student Conduct Officer. Mr. Earnest received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Wayne State University. The Associate Dean currently supervises Student Organization Services in the Dean of Students Office, and coordinates the University’s disciplinary system for violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Senior Coordinator of Student Life, Student Organization Services and Leadership Development Laura Pechta Laura has been with the Dean of Students Office since July 0f 2002. She received her B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Hope College in 1996, her M.A. in Organizational Communication from Purdue University in 2000, and is a Ph.D. Candidate in Crisis Communication here at Wayne State. Being involved in several student organizations as well as orientation in college drew her towards student activities and leadership development. She also enjoys working with the diverse student organizations on campus, whether they are from different academic areas, cultural groups, undergraduate or professional organizations. Laura currently supervises the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program as well as helping to improve student organization services in the Dean of Students Office.

Coordinator of Student Life, Greek Affairs and Student Activities Tiny Sebastian Tiny is a recent graduate of Wayne State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She has actually been a member of the Dean of Students Office since 2002. She was a student assistant for the office until 2005 and returned in January of 2007 to become a Campus Life Event Planner. While at WSU, she was very involved on campus as the President of Student Council and as a chapter founder of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, INC. She now assists many of the organizations she was a part of and worked with in planning events and programs.

Coordinator of Student Life, Urban Volunteers and Parent Programs Alexis D'Angelo Alexis graduated in 2008, with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Studies, from Wayne State University.  She became involved with the Dean of Students Office in 2005, through Alternative Spring Break Detroit, after which she coordinated several successful student leadership initiatives.  She has received much recognition and accolades, including those from Wayne State, Michigan Campus Compact, the Jimmy Carter Foundation, and Governor Granholm.  At the Dean of Students Office, Alexis directs community involvement initiatives, including Parent Services, Wayne State Student Ambassadors and Leadership Orientation in Urban Detroit.  She is a US Army Veteran and an accomplished dancer.

Fiscal and Personnel Officer Veronica Richards Veronica has been an employee of Wayne State University since February of 1995. She currently holds the position of Fiscal and Personnel Officer. She accepted this position in August of 1998. Her primary responsibility is to oversee student organization and departmental budgets. Veronica previously worked as an Accounts Payable Clerk and Office Supervisor in the Disbursement department. She is a graduate of Wayne State University, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Office Clerk Judy Marek Judy has been with Wayne State University for 4 years. She came to the Dean of Students Office from the English Department and also worked in the Registration Office. She is the Office Clerk for Dean Strauss.

Office Manager Antoinette Gillery Muse Nett (as she prefers to be called) has been an employee at Wayne State University for fifteen years. She has worked in Room 351 for all fifteen of those years. As Office Manager, Nett and the student staff work as liaisons between the student groups and their advisors. They assist in filling out financial forms, maintaining files, and the basic operation of the office. They try to make your office visit informative and satisfactory. Please stop by or call - they are here to help you.

Marketing Coordinator Denise Dejonghe Denise joined the Dean of Students Office and Wayne State University in 2005 after previous positions in advertising, graphic design and teaching. She received her B.A. in Education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1997 and her M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University in 2008. She handles print and web marketing to promote campus life and activities.