Jen Schneider is the interim dean of the College of Innovation and Design, the university announced. Shawn Benner, who has served as dean of the college since April 2022, has accepted a new role outside of the university.
“Shawn is an accomplished researcher, has been a campus leader related to innovation, and founded our pathbreaking Human-Environment Systems Program,” Dr. Marlene Tromp, president of Boise State University said. “He guided CID to advance innovation in every corner of campus; supported the efforts of thousands of faculty, staff and students; and created a transformative test bed for new thinking across the university. We wish Shawn all the best in his new role.”
Schneider has served as associate dean of the College of Innovation and Design, director of the Digital Innovation and Design degree program and as an associate dean in the School of Public Service. Most recently, she helped lead efforts related to AI on campus and was pivotal in creating “The Space,” a dedicated innovation facility in the library designed to benefit the whole campus community.
“Jen brings to the position deep experience within the college and our campus community, which will allow for a seamless transition in CID,” Tromp said.
The university will soon launch a national search to permanently fill the dean position.