Dean's Welcome
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Welcome to the College of Social Sciences & Professional Studies! Our students, staff, and faculty are local national, and global citizens who are working to create and maintain a society that is characterized by inclusive politics, social justice, and economic opportunities.
I have been at Parkside for more than 25 years, and am a first generation American, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I received a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Marquette University, an M.A degree in Political Science from Marquette University, as well. My Ph.D in Political Science is from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Much of my research in International Relations has centered on issues of political development in Latin America, and I have traveled extensively throughout the region. My current research is focused on equity and diversity in the classroom and issues of accessibility to study abroad experiences, most often in Latin America.
The Office of the Dean includes an Associate Dean who works closely with the Dean to manage the College. The current Associate Dean is Seif Da'na, Professor of Sociology. Professor Da'na is Associate Editor of Arab Studies Quarterly and is the author of many articles and book chapters on the Palestine question and the Arab world.
A full-time Program and Operations Assistant to the Dean completes the team in the Office of the Dean. The Assistant to the Dean manages most of the daily administrative tasks necessary for smooth operation of the College. Gia Gutierrez is the current Assistant to the Dean. She is a proud Parkside Alumni and is passionate about student advocacy! Gia also serves as our bilingual outreach assistant. Feel free to reach out to her regarding colaborations, campus information, or any other questions!
We would love to speak with you about ideas that you might also have. If you want to contribute to your local and national community, or if you want to change the world- we can be the place that you begin! Call (262.595.3001), email, or stop by the office (Molinaro Hall room 364). The Office of the Dean team and I look forward to speaking with you!
Peggy James
Dean and Professor of Politics Philosophy and Law