Dorcia Chaison

Dorcia Chaison, Ph.D., serves as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University. She has held leadership roles in academic advising and undergraduate programs since 2008 and acts as an advising fellow in the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education. Her work focuses on student retention, advisor training, and integrating applied research to enhance youth engagement in food systems.

• Degree: Ph.D. in Higher Adult and Lifelong Education

Chaison's research interests center on student success initiatives, including her development of the Retention, Engagement, Academic and Performance (REAP) program and her leadership in implementing MSU's Student Success Dashboard. She promotes healthy lifestyle changes and youth recruitment into MSU-ANR majors, linking these efforts to broader food system education.

Her accolades include the 2019 CANR Outstanding Academic Advisor and the 2017 University-Wide Advising Excellence Award. She contributes to the College Curriculum Committee and Teaching and Academic Policy Committee, ensuring alignment with institutional standards.

Chaison's efforts in training academic advisors, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing undergraduate education highlight her commitment to CANR's mission of connecting applied research with community impact.