Katy Tangenberg Named Health Dean
Katy Tangenberg will join the University of La Verne on June 16 as the new dean of the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being. Tangenberg brings over two decades of leadership experience in higher education, social work, and health sciences, with a focus on student success, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“We are pleased that Dr. Tangenberg has chosen to join us and lead the ongoing work of building our newest college,” said University of La Verne President Risa Dickson. “Her experience and knowledge of the community will be key to positioning the college within the university and the region.”
Tangenberg comes to the University of La Verne from Seattle Pacific University, where she has served as dean of the School of Psychology, Family & Community since 2016. In this role, she has led academic programs, faculty development, and accreditation efforts while strengthening community partnerships. Prior to that, she held key leadership positions at Azusa Pacific University, where she was the founding director and chair of the Master of Social Work program and later served as associate dean of the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences.
Tangenberg earned her PhD in social welfare from the University of Washington and has built an extensive career in clinical practice, social welfare policy, and higher education administration. She is committed to advancing health equity, expanding student opportunities, and fostering external partnerships to enhance academic programs.
“The University of La Verne has found an exceptional leader to guide the college through its next phase of growth and development,” said Ken O’Donnell, incoming provost. “In conversations with committee members, the campus community, and me, she stood out for her interpersonal effectiveness, candor, and warmth.”
In her new role, Tangenberg will oversee the continued growth of the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being, which is dedicated to preparing future healthcare and social service professionals. With her deep roots in the San Gabriel Valley and passion for serving diverse communities, she is well positioned to lead the college into its next chapter.
About the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being
Established in 2022, the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being is dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in health and the social determinants of health. Named in 2023 for AltaMed president and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha, the college addresses the critical need for healthcare professionals in Southern California. It offers eight undergraduate and graduate programs in health administration, child life, psychology, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, kinesiology, and athletic training.
