Lou Ann Berman Named Executive Director of Community Relations
January 7, 2005
UT Tyler has appointed Dr. Lou Ann Berman as executive director of community relations, Dr. Dale Lunsford, vice president for student affairs and external relations, announced.
Dr. Berman, who has served as dean of allied health and nursing at Tyler Junior College, will be responsible for designing and implementing UT Tyler’s student and academic affairs initiatives and assessing student success outcomes; identifying extracurricular volunteer and curricular service-learning opportunities in the community for students; fostering relationships with area junior colleges to facilitate the success of junior college transfer students; directing a summer residential program for new students seeking an early start to their degree program; and preparing grant applications for external funding.
“Dr. Berman’s enthusiasm for students and her experience as an academic dean combine to give her a valuable perspective to assist in achieving our objective of improving retention and graduation rates,’’ Dr. Lunsford said. “She is uniquely qualified to facilitate volunteer and service-learning opportunities for students, develop our relationships with area junior colleges and design an academic summer bridge experience for new students transitioning to university work. Everything she will do is focused on improving the success of our students.’’
“I am honored to be a part of UT Tyler,’’ Dr. Berman said. “This is a unique opportunity to participate in the university’s mission to promote community and public service. I hope that my office will be a positive influence for our students and for our East Texas community.’’
Dr. Berman has served as dean of allied health and nursing at TJC since 1995, providing organizational leadership and support to 12 instructional programs. She was an adjunct faculty member in health studies at Stephen F. Austin State University from 1994 to 1995 and in health education at UT Tyler from 1992 to 1995. She served an instructor in dental hygiene/health studies at TJC from 1981 to 1995.
She holds a doctorate in health studies from Texas Woman’s University; master of education in health and physical education, UT Tyler; bachelor of applied arts and sciences in health education, SFA; and associate of arts and sciences in dental hygiene, TJC.
Dr. Berman is a member of the board of directors with the UT Tyler Alumni Association and East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association. Her community involvement also has included Smith County Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Tyler, Zonta Club, Discovery Science Place Children’s Museum, City of Tyler Health Facilities Development Board, Women’s Symphony League of Tyler and Tyler Civic Ballet.
