Davenport University appoints new dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Program expansion expected, added focus to reach Vision 2025 goals

Davenport University, an institution known for its job placement guarantee, has appointed a new Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Gerald Nyambane.

Dr. Nyambane, a 17-year veteran of Davenport University, assumed the position on Aug. 1.

“Dr. Nyambane has shown a keen interest in serving the institution when and how it has needed him,” said Dr. Gilda Gely, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. “He redesigned the Data Analytics program and developed two Data Analytics concentrations for the MBA. These concentrations eventually became graduate certificates that enable graduates to get stand-alone credentials in data mining or predictive analytics.

“We look forward to working with him as he continues to expand the College of Arts and Sciences offerings to meet Davenport’s Vision 2025 goals.”

Dr. Nyambane started as an adjunct instructor in 2004, served as an instructor, and went on to earn the rank of Associate Professor. In addition, he has served as Associate Department Chair and Program Director, Associate Dean, and most recently, the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

During his time at Davenport, Dr. Nyambane has analyzed math and English student performance data to better serve the needs of incoming students and place them on a pathway to success. He recently facilitated the transition from using standardized placement tests to internal test-out examinations to provide greater flexibility to students.

In addition to these achievements, Dr. Nyambane served as the director of Davenport’s study abroad programs. He oversaw the successful launch of the first study abroad program for nursing in Ireland. He also developed and led a Kenya study abroad program that took students to Africa for the first time in Davenport’s history.

This past semester, Dr. Nyambane helped create transfer articulation agreements with community colleges to our Bachelor in Laboratory Sciences, a unique program to Davenport and West Michigan.

After completing his Ph.D. from MSU in Agricultural Economics, he earned a post-graduate certificate in Finance and a graduate certificate in Data Analytics from Davenport University.