Jeffery Aspelmeier selected to lead Radford University’s College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences as dean

Radford University has selected Jeffery Aspelmeier, Ph.D., to serve as dean of the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS), following a national search conducted during the fall 2025 semester. Aspelmeier will begin his duties as dean on Jan. 10, 2026.

“Jeff brings a proven track record of successful leadership to this role, having served as chair of the Department of Psychology and, more recently, as interim dean since Aug. 1, 2024,” said Bethany Usher, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “He has built trust through thoughtful leadership, supported a stabilization in course enrollment, overseen growth in the WickedFest events, and supported the establishment of the grant-funded Highlander Center for Character and Public Impact.”

As dean, Aspelmeier will lead CHBS as the college advances Radford University’s strategic plan and continues to champion the liberal arts, humanities and behavioral sciences in a changing higher education landscape.

“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to serve in the role of dean for a college that I literally have grown up in, both personally and professionally,” Aspelmeier said. “My colleagues and the students we serve are what make this such a wonderful place to work. I owe so much to the college and university that have helped me be successful over the past 26+ years, and I am grateful for the chance to pay back that debt and work ensure that my colleagues and our students continue to be supported on their own paths toward success.

Aspelmeier has served Radford University in a variety of academic and leadership roles within the Department of Psychology, including as department chair (2015–present) and associate department chair (2013–2015), and he has been a member of the CHBS Leadership Team for many years. He has taught and mentored students across undergraduate and graduate programs and has been recognized for his commitment to student success and faculty mentorship.

He is also a co-author of multiple editions of an instructional text focused on SPSS and statistical analysis. The work reflects his emphasis on applied learning and on equipping students with tools they can use to analyze data, draw sound conclusions and present results effectively.

Aspelmeier earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in experimental psychology from Kent State University and a B.S.Ed. in secondary education and social studies from Southwest Missouri State University. 

Radford’s dean search process was supported by a CHBS search committee chaired by Steven Bachrach, dean of the Artis College of Science and Technology, and included CHBS faculty and staff representatives, undergraduate and graduate student representatives, and an alumni representative.