By Taylor Crook
The first thing students notice about Diana Newman isn’t her title, but her curiosity and connection. Before talking about school, policy, or even Casper College, Newman takes time to get to know CC’s students. Newman will ask about goals, hobbies, struggles, careers, and more, because she believes that knowing her students is one of the most important aspects of her position. Diana Newman, Casper College’s new dean of students, is excited for her role and the opportunity to work with the CC community.
In the past, Newman worked roles at many different higher education institutions in Wyoming, such as the University of Wyoming and Laramie County Community College. Corey Peacock, CC’s vice president for student affairs and Newman’s predecessor, highlighted the benefit of her experience.
“We knew that it would be easy for Diana to relate to and build relationships with Casper College,” Peacock said. “She’s highly qualified and has a lot of really great varied experience as a seasoned leader in higher education.”
Residence Hall Coordinator Liz Dobson, Newman’s colleague, not only agreed with Corey, but said that Newman is able to collaborate community engagement with student life, enrollment, and retention.
Dobson said that from the moment Newman arrived at CC, Newman clearly demonstrated her job expertise. Dobson then said that Newman is adaptable, and learns how to apply her skills to CC culture.
Before furthering her education in higher education, Newman received her bachelors in mathematics. She explained the benefit her education provided her career, saying that when people ask her questions, she does not give a quick solution.
“I’m literally a person who’s like, what’s the data say? How are we going to move the needle,” she said. “How are we going to make our situation better with that data? Because I believe in the numbers fully. I am a total extrovert, but I love how the numbers inform what we do socially.”
Since starting at CC in September, Newman noted many things she loves about her role.
“I get so many wonderful things I get to do every day,” Newman said. “I get to meet students, and honestly, I probably have one of the best jobs where I’m like, tell me about you, and tell me about your life, and tell me about what you’re studying. I get jonsed about getting to know a person and being able to help.”
Newman later said she is empathetic to students who are struggling, and being able to lift students up is one of the most rewarding parts of working in higher education.
“When the hurdles in life — whether that is a challenge they’re facing from home, a challenge they’re facing in their classes, a challenge they’re facing in self-understanding, in health and wellness and in mental health — I get to help with access and reduce those barriers so that they can be successful academically, professionally, and personally,” Newman said.
While Newman spent many years in higher education before coming to Casper, she said she had the prospect of working at CC had excited her for a while.
Newman said, “You know, growing up in Wyoming, Casper College has been a powerhouse in the community college realm. Even now, in Casper, you absolutely know about the influence of Casper College.”
Newman mentioned that her husband is an alumnus of Casper College, and she recommends CC as a place to work, learn and earn a degree.
Newman also said Wyoming, especially Casper, is a great place to live and aligns with her hobbies. She said she loves Wyoming and the outdoors, and she likes to take weekend drives through the mountains, especially in fall.
“Fall is probably my favorite time because I love the color of the aspens. I look at my window and I’m like, ‘oh my gosh, the autumnal vibes that are existing in my office are fantastic. I have seen the glory of Casper from the fourth floor of the University Union,’” Newman said.
In her few months at CC, Newman worked with many students and shared advice for students at Casper.
“I think there’s a go for it mindset. Think about what you want to do and go for it. Think about the connections you have and go for it,” she said.
Peacock, as the previous dean of students, talked about the position. He said the dean of students is an important position for daily interactions with students and that many people may not know the behind-the-scenes of student success.
Peacock said, “We really wanted someone who would embrace our student’s first culture and understand the unique needs of a community college population and just be a good colleague to work with.”
Peacock shared that Diana fit the requirements and stood out from the other applicants.
“She had all the experience that we wanted in the dean of students plus extra things that we didn’t even advertise for,” Peacock said. “We knew that by hiring her, we would not only be getting a good dean of students, but a good leader for the student services division.”
