Winthrop University, a top ranked public, comprehensive, masters-level university, seeks a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as Dean of the School of Graduate, Continuing, and Online Education. The Dean reports directly to the Provost.
Below are the three finalists for the position. Read more about them, along with their scheduled times to be on campus for public presentations and conversations with faculty, staff, administrators and students.
Russell (Russ) Mayer
Russell (Russ) Mayer
Russell K. Mayer brings extensive experience in academic leadership, strategic planning and institutional effectiveness. He currently serves as interim assistant vice provost of educational effectiveness and assessment at Loyola Marymount University and has held previous roles as interim vice president and chief learning officer at St. Joseph’s College and provost and vice president for academic affairs at Marian University.
Mayer’s career also includes serving as vice president for institutional effectiveness and strategic initiatives at Merrimack College, where he played a key role in advancing institutional goals through comprehensive strategic planning.
A scholar in political science, Mayer has dedicated much of his career to enhancing student success, leading interdisciplinary academic initiatives and promoting experiential learning. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan and a B.A. with High Honors from Wesleyan University.
Visit Date: March 26, 2025
Public Presentation: Wednesday, March 26 – 2:30 p.m., Whitton Auditorium – Carroll Hall
Melissa McCartney
Melissa McCartney
Melissa McCartney is a strategic, student-centered academic leader with a strong record in advancing innovative, accessible and results-driven programs for adult and graduate learners. She is the founding dean of the Graduate School, an associate provost for digital learning and chief online officer for Queens University of Charlotte.
Her initiatives include the creation of career-aligned microcredentials, stackable graduate certificates and accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathways—expanding access to meaningful credentials for adult learners. She has designed and implemented holistic student support structures that have achieved a 95 percent retention rate across graduate programs. She has also led efforts to streamline registration, graduation audits and payment plans, enhancing the student experience through more efficient, student-centered systems.
She holds a Doctorate in Education from Arizona State University, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from the University of Arizona.
Visit Date: March 31, 2025
Public Presentation: Monday, March 31 – 2:30 p.m., Whitton Auditorium – Carroll Hall
Jason Craig
Jason Craig
Jason Craig is an experienced higher education administrator, professor of physical therapy and faculty development expert with over 32 years of academic leadership. As associate provost for online and graduate education at Marymount University, he has been instrumental in expanding online graduate programs, mentoring faculty and enhancing student success initiatives.
Craig has served in multiple leadership roles, including spearheading graduate enrollment growth and faculty development initiatives in his current role as well as strengthening academic support for graduate students as the director of graduate student academic success, and leading faculty development programs and tenure process reforms as the director of teaching and student engagement.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Ulster, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and he holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors in physiotherapy from the same institution.
Visit Date: April 7, 2025
Public Presentation: Monday, April 7 – 2:30 p.m., Whitton Auditorium – Carroll Hall
