Appointment of Dr. Suzanne Hizer as Senior Co-Director of CLASS, STEM

It is with enthusiasm that I write to announce the appointment of Dr. Suzanne Hizer as senior co-director of Centers for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS), STEM in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. This position is funded by the Governor’s Innovation in Higher Education Award http://www.dof.ca.gov/innovationawards/. In her role as senior co-director of CLASS, she will oversee the leadership of the Math Lab led by Ms. Jennifer Brich and lead STEM Supplemental Instruction (SI) and STEM Tutoring.

Her passion for students’ academic success in STEM is evident through her rich contributions. She has been involved in a number of grant initiatives to support student success, such as the NIH MARC Curriculum Improvement and NIH Bridges grants among others. More recently, she co-wrote CSUSM’s successful McNair, Staples Foundation, and STEM Vista grants. Notably, she has been recognized by the UC and CSU as a leader in the UMKC model of Supplemental Instruction.

Dr. Hizer is a proud alumna, having earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Biological Sciences and Ed.D. at CSUSM. She has served our campus through teaching and staff positions, including her most recent role as the director of Supplemental Instruction and STEM Tutoring. Her guiding philosophy of “students first” has been shaped by her own experience as a scientist and STEM educator who was first in her family to earn a college degree. That philosophical value paired with her educational journey and service prepare her well for this new opportunity.

I look forward to Dr. Hizer’s leadership and contributions as senior co-director of CLASS, STEM beginning January 22, 2018. Please join me in congratulating her on this appointment!

Dawn M. Formo, Ph.D.
Dean, Undergraduate Studies