Ellen Derwin Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Ellen Baker Derwin is the Associate Dean for Curriculum and Assurance of Learning and associate professor of communications in the School of Arts and Sciences.  She is also the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Assessment and Planning.   Dr. Derwin collaborates with faculty and deans on curriculum and assessment processes. She serves as a WSCUC peer reviewer, and she is also on the WSCUC substantive change committee as well as a graduate of the WSCUC leadership academy.   Dr. Derwin has taught and developed courses in psychology, communications, and student success skills.  She began her career in the Chapman University System as director of K-12 professional development for Chapman University College and adjunct faculty.

After serving in nonprofit leadership positions, Dr. Derwin began her career in higher education at DeVry University where she served as the national director of outreach services and business and educational partnerships as well as in the areas of admissions and student services. She initially became involved in online education as the first director of marketing for CalStateTEACH at the CSU chancellor’s office. Through her work in the publishing industry and as an independent consultant, Dr. Derwin mentored administrators and faculty to implement best practices for teaching and assessment in all modalities.  She holds a Ph.D. in psychology (with a media emphasis) from Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Derwin also holds a master’s degree in social ecology from the University of California, Irvine, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Denison University.