Graceland University is pleased to announce that Dr. Brian White will be appointed dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective June 1, 2015. White graduated from Graceland in 1992 and then continued his education by earning a master’s degree in English from Utah State University and a PhD in English from the University of North Dakota. He has served as Division Chair of Humanities at Graceland for four years, and is an excellent choice to continue Graceland’s commitment to its three core values: learning, wholeness and community.
The search for the dean of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) was a long and thorough process with Dr. Dan Pratt and Dr. Katie Bash serving as chairs. CLAS includes nearly half of the Graceland enrollment, and with four extremely well qualified candidates, the decision was very difficult.
Vice President of Academics, Tammy Everett, stated, “We were fortunate to have such qualified and talented candidates. Brian will bring a fresh influence as dean to this central position within the university. I look forward to working with him as dean of CLAS. Brian’s experience and dedication to Graceland, proven through multiple leadership roles, will help us move closer to achieving our mission of student success.”
In his acceptance, White stated, “I have had the great fortune to work with so many talented and impressive colleagues within CLAS, and I will be deeply honored to continue working with them as their dean. The liberal arts and sciences are the core of Graceland’s tradition, the framework for Graceland’s mission, and the springboard for our students’ future successes. It will be exciting to help carry that vision forward.”
Dr. Steven L. Anders, Dean of the C.H. Sandage School of Business has served as an interim dean of the CLAS since June 2013. His flexibility and willingness to serve as interim dean of CLAS in addition to his other responsibilities has been greatly appreciated.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
October 14, 2026
Graceland University announces former vice president and long time Graceland advocate, David L Siddall, as new Chair of its Board of Trustees.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
April 10, 2026
Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
