As interim dean, she has guided the school through a period of transition while building on strategic priorities.
Melissa Sturge-Apple ’92, an accomplished scholar and experienced academic leader at the University of Rochester, has been named dean of the Warner School of Education & Human Development. She has served as Warner’s interim dean since July 1, 2024, following several years as vice provost and University dean of graduate education. A URochester alumna, Sturge-Apple received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics and holds a PhD in developmental psychology from Notre Dame. She will begin her role as permanent dean on January 1.
As vice provost for graduate education and postdoctoral affairs, Sturge-Apple played a pivotal role in elevating the University’s graduate and postdoctoral enterprise. She led the development of a cohesive University-wide vision for graduate education across six schools, strengthened mentorship and community-building initiatives, expanded professional development and career exploration opportunities, and worked to enhance the overall experience and support systems for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Her efforts helped align academic policies, streamline processes, and foster stronger collaboration across URochester’s decentralized academic landscape.
As interim dean, Sturge-Apple has guided the Warner School through a period of transition while building on Warner’s strategic priorities and strong foundation. During her tenure, Warner has experienced significant advances in research expenditures.
“Melissa brings exceptional strengths as a leader, scholar, and collaborator,” says URochester Provost Nicole Sampson. “Her record of advancing graduate education across the University, her deep commitment to students and educators, and her nationally recognized research on children and families make her uniquely well suited to lead Warner at this moment. I am confident that, under her leadership, the Warner School will continue to innovate in teacher preparation, counseling, leadership, and research that responds to the most pressing challenges in education.”
A longtime University of Rochester faculty member, Sturge-Apple’s research focuses on parenting and child development, with a particular focus on families experiencing adversity. She has published more than 100 empirical papers in leading journals, including Developmental Psychology, Child Development, and Development and Psychopathology, and has led multiple large-scale research projects supported by the National Institutes of Health totaling more than $35 million.
Sturge-Apple’s contributions to the field were recently recognized with election as a fellow of the American Psychological Association, an honor reserved for members whose work has had a national impact and demonstrated outstanding contributions to psychology. Earlier in her career, she worked as a middle and high school counselor—experience that she says grounds her scholarship and leadership in the realities of schools and the needs of students and families.
“Warner is an incredible community of scholars, educators, and students who are deeply committed to improving lives through education and well-being,” says Sturge-Apple. “I am honored to serve as dean and to work alongside colleagues who are advancing excellence and opportunity in schools and communities locally and globally. Together, we will continue to prepare the next generation of educators and leaders who can transform systems, support the holistic development of children and families, and generate research that shapes practice and policy.”
Sampson also expressed gratitude to the members of the search committee and its chair, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Excellence and Professor of Biology Elaine Sia, for her leadership in the national search.
“I want to thank Elaine Sia for her thoughtful leadership of this search and the committee members for their dedication and insight,” says Sampson. “Their work produced an outstanding outcome that reflects Warner’s aspirations and the University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.”
Sturge-Apple credits Warner’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners for shaping the school’s direction and impact.
“Warner’s strengths come from the people who make up this community,” she says. “I am grateful to partner with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community collaborators as we advance Warner’s role as a hub for innovative research, responsive educational practice, and meaningful partnerships. I am excited for what we will accomplish together in the years ahead.”
