DMACC is delighted to announce the hire of Dr. Janel Alleyne, an experienced and passionate academic leader, as the college’s new Dean of Students, effective June 16.
Alleyne joins DMACC this week after serving as Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Northern Iowa since 2018. During her tenure at UNI, Alleyne also earned her Doctoral Degree in Education with an emphasis on student affairs in 2023.
As the Dean of Students at DMACC, Dr. Alleyne will lead several crucial areas of the college’s services, including Counseling, Title IX/Conduct, Student Activities, Evening & Weekend Services, Student & Community Resources, the International Student Office, and the Information Center.
The Brooklyn, NY, native’s 17-year journey in higher education began humbly at SUNY Canton, a small Liberal Arts College in New York, where she served as a Resident Assistant while pursuing her bachelor's in business administration.
There, the seeds of Dr. Alleyne’s life-long passion for student affairs were planted, leading to roles as a Residence Hall Director at SUNY Postdam, where she earned her Master of Science in Education.
Dr. Alleyne’s career took her back and forth between the East Coast and the Midwest for the past two decades: from the University of Missouri and Columbia College in Missouri, to her alma mater SUNY Potsdam to serve as the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
“For me, the focus of any higher education institution should always be the students,” Alleyne said.
Dr. Alleyne is both poised and eager to step into her new role at DMACC, bringing with her a wealth of experience from academic institutions of diverse sizes and student populations. She sees this opportunity not just as a new chapter, but as an exciting challenge – to discover how she can contribute to the already remarkable work happening at DMACC.
Across all of Dr. Alleyne’s roles, one constant has defined her approach: a blend of clear-eyed firmness in advocating for students, paired with deep, unwavering compassion.
“For me, going the extra mile isn't something that's difficult. I see it as the rule, not the exception, because that’s what's necessary,” she continued. “It means doing whatever it takes to get a student the support and resources they need to succeed.”
Dr. Alleyne’s unshakeable dedication will make her an invaluable addition to DMACC’s leadership, said Erica Spiller, Vice President of Student Affairs.
“Janel brings a wealth of extensive experience and expertise to the role, along with a unique and valuable perspective,” Spiller said. “We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to her contributions in supporting our students and teams.”
As she steps into her new role, Dr. Alleyne is approaching DMACC with thoughtful intention – spending time learning about its community and culture, addressing the most important questions first: “Who are our students, what do they need?” And what can I do to make their experience at DMACC as fulfilling as possible?”