Dean

University of La Verne has selected Katy Tangenberg for the role of Dean of the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being. She will begin her appointment on June 16, 2025. 

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. 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.

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.

Joe Kralick led this search with Luciano Zuniga.