Early Bird

Rebecca Trammell, Ph.D., shares goals for College of Professional Studies

The interim dean is proactively facing challenges presented by COVID-19.

By Lindsey Coulter

July 21, 2020

On July 1, Rebecca Trammell, Ph.D., moved from her role as associate dean of the College of Professional Studies to lead the college following the departure of Dean Jenn Capps, Ph.D. Trammell has served Metropolitan State University of Denver since 2012. She is now the interim dean for the college.

Trammell received her doctorate in sociology from the University of California, Irvine, where she also earned a master’s degree in sociology. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Diego State University. She primarily teaches research methods and criminological theories, specializing in inmate violence, incarceration, prison culture and gender. She has published articles on relational violence, the inmate code, violence against child molesters in prison, and restorative-justice practices in Islamic countries.

Having served as associate dean since 2017, Trammell is already familiar with her duties and the college’s various departments. “I consider myself to be a supporting resource for our programs,” she said. “This (position) will give me the opportunity to continue this work.”

However, Trammell acknowledges the next year will be a challenge as the University navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent budget shortfall.

“My job is to maintain as much stability as possible, support the departments and move us ahead with our initiatives and program development,” she said. “CPS is a big college with a lot of things going on. We need to do a lot with potentially fewer resources. My central goal is to continue the amazing work put forth by the previous dean and build out on that work. I have no doubt that my college is up for the challenge. I’m lucky to have this amazing team – they are the best resource I could possibly ask for.”

To that end, Trammell says the CPS will continue to proactively apply for grants and reach out to donors in support of student success.

“I am extremely excited to be of service to the college,” she added. “I truly like and respect my CPS colleagues. They amaze me with their hard work and dedication to our thousands of students.”