College of Charleston welcomes dean of natural and environmental sciences
April 28, 2026
Juliet Spencer was appointed as the next dean of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences on April 21, 2026. A nationally recognized leader in student success, Spencer was recently honored with the 2025 Outstanding Support of Student Success by an Administrator Award from the National Organization for Student Success.
Spencer currently serves as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, where she has also held roles as Director of the School of the Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biology. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Virginia, an MBA with an emphasis in women in leadership from Texas Woman’s University, and a B.S. in biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
“Dr. Spencer brings a strong record of administrative leadership paired with an accomplished research portfolio,” says Suzanne Austin, executive vice president and provost at the College of Charleston. “I am confident that her vision, experience and commitment to student and faculty success will further advance the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the institution,” Austin adds.
As principal investigator on more than $7 million in external funding, she is conducting advanced research in virus–host interactions, immune modulation and cancer biology while building inclusive, student-centered research environments. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to mentoring students and faculty, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and aligning academic programs with workforce and societal needs.
Austin expressed appreciation to Interim Dean Seth Pritchard for his exemplary leadership during this transition.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston’s mission is to provide students with a world-class education in the arts and sciences, business and technology, engineering and health sciences. Students have more than 150 majors and minors from which to choose — and they often choose to combine several—and complement their academic courses with overseas study, undergraduate research and internships for a truly customized education.
Nearly 12,000 students choose the college for its unique urban, mid-sized university feel. The College, home to undergraduates from across the country and around the globe, provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged and guided by a committed and caring faculty of distinguished teacher-scholars. The city of Charleston serves as a living and learning laboratory for student experiences and opportunities for career development. The university bridges the old with the new in a setting that is truly extraordinary — where historic character and forward-looking innovation come together to shape a distinctive and inspiring environment for learning. A College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparation for life, work, and service to our society.
