MSMU Dean of Students Resigns Mid-Semester

Sadaf Sharifi

Dean of Students Dr. Adrianne White has resigned from her position, according to an email by the President of the University. On Feb. 10, Dr. Jerry Joyce sent an email to the Mount community with the announcement.

White had served the Mount since the fall of 2024, the same semester Joyce assumed his role as President of Mount St. Mary’s.

Joyce confirmed that White submitted her resignation letter with no public explanation to why she decided to leave. He added that her resignation was a personal choice to find a new path in life.

Due to personnel reasons and respect for White, the university will not comment on the reasons.  “We must honor and respect White’s decision and maintain confidentiality,” said Joyce.  

White’s resignation is a major leadership change for the community, but the leadership is committed to maintaining all student-focused services across the campus.

Dr. Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Vice President for Human Resources and Community Engagement, has been appointed to take on the responsibilities temporarily. She will serve as Interim Chief Student Affairs Officer.

“Transitions can raise questions, but the core mission of Student Affairs remains unchanged—to support student growth, safety, belonging and success,” said Whetsel-Ribeau.

Student housing operations will be overseen by Ron Hibbard, Vice President of Campus Environment and Public Safety.

The president’s message notified all students, faculty and staff regarding her resignation and recognized her service. It did not specify details regarding her resignation but focused on respecting her decision.

Interim Provost Dr. Barbara Marinak did not provide any details to the Mountain Echo. “I am afraid I will not be able to schedule an interview. White’s resignation is a personnel matter, and I am not able to comment,” she wrote in an email.

Whetsel-Ribeau brings extensive student affairs experience and a proven record of cabinet-level leadership, with a collaborative approach to supporting students. In the interim role, she will lead efforts to advance initiatives focused on student well-being, engagement and success.

 “My career has been spent in Student Affairs and senior leadership roles, where I’ve worked closely with students, residence life, engagement programs and cross-campus collaboration,” she stated. She emphasized that her priorities are to support students, ensure stability and communication across the campus.

In her first few months, she will focus on listening to students and staff on campus to understand the community better of their needs and make the process stronger. “It’s a moment for thoughtful assessment, reinforcing what supports students effectively and preparing the division for strong, long-term leadership,” she added.

As this transition was unexpected, the Echo asked a few students about the sudden news. Some students stated that White was always reachable and engaged with the students. They have seen noticeable changes in student engagement with on-campus events. That being said, student comments show a variety of opinions and reactions.

Whetsel-Ribeau believes that students are the main reason universities exist and students deserve long-term and consistent leadership in Student Life at the Mount. She is not planning to seek a permanent role as the Dean of Students because she believes that there is a clearer and more stable leader that will be more beneficial for students. 

She wants to send a message to the students that she is accessible and that they can contact her directly. She also plans to attend the Student Government Association meetings. “My commitment is that student voices will not only be heard—they will be considered in decision-making,” she assured. 

Moving forward, this leadership change remains to be an important moment for the community and students. While many questions remain unanswered, leadership and administrators are prioritizing students and their needs. And the university community looks forwards to how this change will shape student life and experience.