SVSU names new dean of College of Health & Human Services

April 23, 2026

SVSU names new dean of College of Health & Human Services

Saginaw Valley State University has selected Susan Smalling, a higher education and social work professional, as dean of the Crystal M. Lange College of Health and Human Services, effective July 8.

Smalling currently serves as the associate dean for social sciences, overseeing more than 70 faculty members, as well as director of faculty community and belonging, and a professor of social work and family studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Smalling is passionate about creating inclusive, sustainable and intellectually rigorous academic environments where all members of the community thrive in their work and lives. During her 14 years at St. Olaf, she has been deeply involved in initiatives to improve both the academic and cultural aspects of the college, including revision of the general education curriculum, strategic plan creation, Title IX policy revisions and efforts to promote systemic equity and inclusion. Her scholarship focuses on inclusive practice and pedagogy, and she has over 20 years of experience consulting and writing in this area.

With substantial classroom experience, Smalling has taught courses across the social work curriculum and has served as practicum coordinator and Bachelor of Social Work program director.

A licensed independent social worker, Smalling has 10 years of practice experience working in the arenas of adolescent behavioral health, child welfare and chemical health.

Smalling completed a bachelor's degree at St. Olaf, a master's in social work at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and a Ph.D. at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. She succeeds Marcia Ditmyer, who is retiring from her role as dean; Ditmyer will remain on SVSU's faculty.

SVSU's Crystal M. Lange College of Health & Human Services provides a knowledge- and skills-based education, combining theoretical courses with clinical or fieldwork experience components to equip students for careers across the health care field. For more information about SVSU's College of Health & Human Services, visit svsu.edu/collegeofhealthhumanservices.