COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Welcome to the College of Social Sciences & Professional Studies

As a dean of the College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I am proud of the rich tradition of providing theoretical, practical, and experiential social scientific education that our college has upheld since its founding. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare our students to become distinguished leaders in their fields and communities, by providing them with the necessary technical and non-technical skills. Our graduates are equipped with the academic training, moral depth, and intellectual intensity necessary to meet the challenges of a time of critical transition in society.

Our students, staff, and faculty are local, national, and international citizens who are working hard to contribute to creating and maintaining a society that is characterized by inclusive politics, social justice, and economic opportunities. Our amazing team in the college is very committed to the Wisconsin Idea and works actively so that “the beneficent influence of the university reaches every family in the state,” and beyond.

I have been at UW-Parkside for twenty years. I am a professor of sociology and International Studies, who chaired the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and The Institute of Professional Educator Development (IPED) which includes the Teacher Education Program. I also served as the Associate Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies for eight years prior to leading the college.

The College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies offers over thirty majors, minors, and certificates that are housed in one of our departments (Criminal Justice, Geography, Anthropology, History, International Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, and Law, Sociology, and Teacher Education – including Early Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. 

The Office of the Dean includes an amazing team that works closely with the dean. The current Associate Dean is Denise Olstinske, who also serves as the administrative manager in the college. Denise has been instrumental in the success of many of our ongoing projects and programs such as our “Masters of Arts in Applied Professional Studies” (MAPS), leading the college’s Center for Professional Studies (CPS), and as a Director for Parkside’s Access to College Credit (PACC), to name a few.

Giovanna Gutierrez is the Program and Operations Assistant to the Dean. The Assistant to the Dean manages most of the daily administrative tasks necessary for the successful operation of the College. Giovanna is a proud Parkside Alumni and is passionate about student advocacy! Giovanna also serves as our bilingual outreach assistant. Feel free to reach out to her regarding collaborations, campus information, or any other questions!

Connie Minton, Mary Henderson, Autumn Chipman, and Cal Watts, complete the dean’s office team. Connie and Mary are the college’s administrative managers who oversee the daily tasks of our academic programs. Autumn is the enrollment specialist and the college’s PACC outreach administrator. Cal Watts is our college’s academic advisor.

We would love to speak with you about ideas that you might also have. If you want to contribute to your local and national community, or if you want to change the world, we can be the place to start! Call, email, or stop by the office. The Office of the Dean team and I look forward to speaking with you!  

I invite all of you who are interested in expanding your knowledge and enriching your careers to explore our school further either online or through a visit to campus. I hope that you will join our community of life-long learners.

Seif Da’Na, PhD
CSSPS Dean and Professor of Sociology
262-595-3001  |  csspsdean@uwp.edu
Molinaro Hall  |  Office 364