November 26, 2024

Sean Gehrke named assistant dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Undergraduate Academic Affairs is pleased to announce Sean Gehrke’s new role as assistant dean.

Sean Gehrke has served over 20 years in higher education, holding a variety of administrative, research and assessment roles. He joined the University of Washington in 2018 as the director of the Office of Educational Assessment (OEA), where he led a team of research scientists and managed student course evaluations, exam scanning and scoring. Gehrke also led collaborative research and assessment projects, providing guidance and support to the campus community in evaluating the University’s progress toward its educational goals.

As a member of the Undergraduate Academic Affairs executive leadership team, Gehrke will oversee directors and teams running programs that serve thousands of undergraduates, including programs in research, community engagement and leadership education. He will also manage assessment and evaluation services for faculty, staff and students across all three UW campuses. 

A unique aspect of Gehrke’s portfolio will be leading efforts to advance learning goals and educational assessment initiatives. This includes providing expertise in assessment and evaluation across UAA and other offices as needed, including the executive office and UW colleges and schools. Gehrke will also advise Vice Provost and Dean Ed Taylor on a range of issues, represent him on campus and university committees, councils, task forces and working groups, and serve as a liaison with students, families and campus partners regarding the undergraduate experience. Gehrke is co-chairing the working group for the 2025 university-wide campus climate survey. 

“Sean Gehrke’s background as an educational researcher, along with his expertise in institutional research and student experience, shaped a comprehensive vision for the Office of Educational Assessment,” says Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Ed Taylor. “We look forward to his unique vantage point now as assistant dean, as he understands, articulates and advances the mission of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.”

“Undergraduate Academic Affairs offers transformative learning experiences for undergraduate students at UW,” says Sean Gehrke. “I am committed to supporting our talented staff and units in fostering the growth of students as curious, critical thinkers and problem solvers who engage thoughtfully in their communities and become lifelong learners.”

Gehrke earned his Ph.D. in urban education policy from the University of Southern California, his M.Ed. in counseling and personnel services from the University of Maryland College Park, and his B.A. in psychology from Lewis and Clark College. Gehrke has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences on a variety of topics, including outcomes-based assessment and faculty engagement with STEM education reform efforts.

Congratulations, Sean Gehrke!