Providence, RI -- Dr. Steven A. Sears has been appointed dean of residence life at Providence College.  Formerly the associate dean of residence life for the College, Sears has worked in the College's Office of Residence Life since 1998.

A native of Bristol, RI, Sears earned a bachelor's degree in education and social work from Roger Williams University in 1995.  He served there as coordinator of residence education and director of the college preparatory program from 1995-1998. 

Sears attained an M.B.A. from Salve Regina University in 1998, and in April 2005 received a doctorate in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he received the Outstanding Practicum Evaluation Award.  A member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Association of College and University Housing Officers-International, Sears also serves on various committees at Providence College. 

Approximately 85 percent of Providence College undergraduate students, including 97 percent of the freshman class, reside on campus. The Office of Residence Life manages 15 on-campus residence facilities, including five apartment residences.  In his new position as dean of residence life at the College, Sears oversees a staff of 14 professional full-time staff members, 72 resident assistants, and 20 student desk monitors.

-- 30 --