New Dean of Students Molly Springer hired at Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt has welcomed Molly Springer as its new dean of students and associate vice president of Student Success, the university announced on June 22.

The role focuses on student advocacy, retention and success. For Springer, coming to Humboldt is also personal.

“I originally interviewed for the position because I just love Humboldt,” Springer said, explaining that her family already has connections to the university. Her child is a junior at Humboldt studying music, while her niece has also recently started her first year.

Springer previously served as associate vice president for Student Success and Educational Equity at California State University, San Bernardino. Her career in higher education has centered on helping students overcome barriers and find pathways to success.

Her interest in student advocacy began early in her career while working with Native students at UCLA through Retention of American Indians Now!, a student-initiated and student-led mentoring program.

“I just liked helping kids like myself,” Springer said, describing her early work with students. She said she values peer mentorship and helping students “get rid of some of the barriers” and understand how to dismantle systemic barriers.

At Humboldt, Springer will oversee student success and work with campus leadership on retention goals. Her responsibilities include supporting programs and services designed to help students succeed and ensuring students understand and can exercise their rights within the university community.

Ravin Craig, interim associate dean of students, works directly with Springer on student conduct, care services, emergency housing and other student-life programs. Craig, who graduated from Humboldt in 2006, previously served as director of Student Life.

Craig described Springer in three words: “She’s passionate, experienced and kind.”

Craig said Springer’s role includes overseeing student-success areas and working with university leadership on retention.

“The dean is generally ensuring students’ rights are respected,” Craig said.

For Springer, the work goes beyond simply helping students graduate. She wants students to develop confidence and opportunities that can continue beyond college.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Springer emphasizes the responsibility of making sure Hispanic and Latine students have the support they need to succeed.

“That means listening to students and understanding that their experiences aren’t all the same,” Springer said. “It means also continuing to create spaces where students feel a sense of community.”

As Springer begins her new role, her background and approach point toward a student-centered philosophy. Helping students overcome barriers, find their voices and build a path toward their future.

Photo courtesy of Cal Poly Humboldt Marketing and Communications