Bellevue College has appointed Ana Hernandez Blackstad as the new dean for student success. In this role, she will provide leadership and supervision for all student services and programs. She is set to begin Nov.18.
“I am very excited Ana is joining the Bellevue College family,” said Ata Karim, vice president of student services. “She brings a great resume of diverse experience, a creative mind, and an optimistic perspective to our team. Her deep commitment to student success and social justice makes her a great fit with the future direction for our student services.”
In addition to providing leadership and supervision for student services and programs, Blackstad will lead college planning and implementation for a comprehensive retention plan. She will also help to implement a code of student conduct and will provide leadership and coordination for the behavioral intervention team and the academic standards policy.
“I’ve worked in the Washington state community college system since 1997 and have long been impressed with Bellevue College,” said Blackstad. “I’m thrilled to join the Bellevue College family and be part of the exceptional faculty and staff who work at BC. I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and supporting their personal and academic success.
Blackstad brings over a decade of experience in student services, having served most recently as director of student advising and support services (SASS) at Cascadia Community College. She is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), serving as a Washington State liaison from 2007-2012 and has been a member of the Student Development Administration Master’s Program Advisory Board at Seattle University since 2001.
Blackstad earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University (Omaha, NE) and a Master of Education degree in Student Development Administration from Seattle University.