Alison Black

Alison Black, Dean of the Class of 2027, 2026, 2025 (M-Z) & Dual-Degree Program, joined the Class Deans in August 2016. In addition to working directly with students as their class dean, she works closely with Professor Amy Banzaert to support students interested in studying and pursuing further education in engineering.

Alison earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Kenyon College and a Master’s Degree in Education (College Student Personnel Services) from Ohio University. She came to Wellesley after working as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Olin College of Engineering for over 10 years. She has twenty-five years of experience working in student affairs administration and has experience in: Title IX, orientation, academic advising, judicial affairs, diversity education, mental health services, leadership education, residential life, first year programs, and substance education. Alison’s professional interests include: identity development, sleep hygiene, self-esteem, and diversity education.

Alison grew up in New Jersey and spent her summers at her family’s home at the Jersey shore. Her interests include running/walking, the ocean, tennis, animals/birds, board games, marathons, the Red Sox, and independent movies. Alison has completed 53 marathons in 50 states and 100 half marathons. She ran the Boston Marathon in 2007, 2008, and 2011 and wishes she had been working at Wellesley when she ran it.