NATCHITOCHES – Dr. Neeru Deep has been named dean of the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development at Northwestern State University. Her appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. 

Deep has served as interim dean since 2023. She has been a member of Northwestern State’s faculty since 2002 and served as chair of the Department of Psychology. 

“I am thrilled to have Dr. Deep leading the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel. “She possesses a wealth of experiences that make her a unique leader for the college, and she brings perspectives that will help the college evolve as it strives to serve an ever-changing educational and human development student accessing its programs. Dr. Deep’s scholarly achievements, approaches to learning and focus on well-being will serve her well as dean.” 

The College of Education and Human Development consists of the School of Education and the departments of Psychology and Addiction Studies, Health and Human Performance, Social Work and Military Science and Leadership. Other responsibilities include the NSU Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center, NSU Elementary Lab School, NSU Middle Lab School and NSU Child and Family Network. Her work will also require collaboration efforts with the Natchitoches Parish School Board. 

Deep said she is committed to uplifting communities through three major workforce development grants: the NSU Child and Family Network program, the NSU Healthcare ACE and the NSU Title IV-E/Louisiana Title IV-E Program. 

“My vision is that our college will become the leader in the field by providing innovative, collaborative and transformative experiences for our faculty, students, and staff, where everyone will receive the utmost respect,” said Deep. “I envision collaborative success. I am grateful to my dedicated team for pouring their heart into bringing the best experience for our students.” 

Deep has 24 years of overall teaching experience. She received the Arthur Watson Endowed Professorship in Academic Accommodations at NSU. The professorship was established to enhance teaching, research and service activities in academic accommodation. Deep was named Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the year award in 2008. She has taken part in extensive leadership training including the IGNiTE Leadership Program at Northwestern, Building Organizational Cultures: A Framework for Leaders from Harvard University and Connected Leadership from Yale University. 

She was founder of the Center for Positivity, Well-being, and Hope at Northwestern. Deep is President of the NSU Eta Mu Chapter of the Phi Beta Delta- Honor Society of International Scholars. Deep said she is committed to collaboration with students, staff, faculty, leaders and stakeholders and deeply dedicated to academic, research, and service excellence. She has extensive experience conducting research and presenting at professional conferences. 

Deep earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, a bachelor’s in education, a master’s degree in psychology, and a master’s degree in education from Panjab University, India, and a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development from NSU.