Roger Williams University Names Paul Geisler as New Dean of the School of Social and Natural Sciences

BRISTOL, R.I. - Roger Williams University has named Paul Geisler, Ed.D., as the next Dean of the School of Social and Natural Sciences. The appointment follows a national search supported by a committee of faculty, staff, students, and administrators. Geisler will join the university on August 8, 2026.

Geisler currently serves as Dean of the School of Sciences & Health Professions at Simmons University, where he has led academic planning, program innovation, faculty development, budget oversight, accreditation, and strategic partnerships across a diverse portfolio of science and health programs. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, interdisciplinary collaboration, and building academic programs that prepare graduates to thrive in an evolving world.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Roger Williams University as Dean of the School of Science and Natural Sciences," said Geisler. "RWU has such a powerful sense of place, purpose, and possibility, and SSNS sits at the heart of so much of what makes the university distinctive: engaged learning, undergraduate research, pre-health pathways, public health, psychology, marine and environmental science, and meaningful connections to Rhode Island's Blue Economy. I cannot wait to get started, to listen and learn from the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners, and to help build on the school's tremendous momentum in ways that are collaborative, innovative, strategic, and deeply student-centered."

Before joining Simmons, Geisler spent sixteen years at Ithaca College, where he served as a professor and program director, leading nationally recognized academic programs with exceptional student outcomes while earning a reputation for innovative teaching, accreditation leadership, and faculty mentorship. His career reflects a unique combination of scholarly achievement, administrative leadership, and a passion for helping students, faculty, and academic programs reach their full potential.

"At Roger Williams, the School of Social and Natural Sciences plays a vital role in advancing the university's mission through outstanding teaching, scholarship, research, and community engagement," said Margaret Everett, RWU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. "I am confident that Paul's collaborative leadership, strategic perspective, and commitment to academic excellence will help build upon the school's many strengths while creating new opportunities for students, faculty, and community partners."