Park University Appoints Molly Pierson as Dean of Students

Parkville, Mo.—July 25, 2024 — Molly Pierson has been appointed as the dean of students at Park University. Pierson began her duties on July 25.

As the dean of students, Pierson will collaborate with Park students, faculty and staff to ensure that student experiences align with the University’s vision, mission, core values and strategic plan priorities. She will work with teams across the University to positively impact the student experience and advance successful outcomes for Park students. Pierson will oversee residence life, student leadership and engagement, counseling, student conduct, crises and advocacy, new student and parent programs, and the Park Student Government Association. She will also advocate for initiatives related to student retention and co-curricular learning assessment. In addition Pierson will serve as the chief judicial officer for Park University students nationwide and serve as the deputy Title IX coordinator for students.

Pierson previously served as the assistant dean of students and director of residential living at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., since 2021, supporting student conduct and on-campus housing. She also held progressive leadership roles within the Office of Residential Life at Washington University in St. Louis from 2014-21 and a stint as program coordinator of the honors program at Saint Louis University.

Pierson earned a Master of Arts degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green (Ohio) State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Washburn. While at Washburn, she served as the student government vice president, developing a passion for working in higher education. Pierson is working on a Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration from the University of Kansas and anticipates graduating by summer 2025.

About Park University

Founded in 1875 in Parkville, Mo., a suburb of Kansas City, Park University is a nonprofit, private institution that is a national leader in higher education. In 2000, Park achieved university status and currently serves more than 6,600 students at 23 campuses in 16 states and online, including Parkville, Independence and Kansas City, Mo.; Lenexa, Kan.; Gilbert, Ariz.; Barstow, Calif.; Columbus, Ohio; Austin and El Paso, Texas; and 14 military installations across the country. www.park.edu