Alverno College Alumna Named Dean of Students

MILWAUKEE, (Feb. 4, 2026) – Alverno College has named alumna Vanessa Vásquez ’12 MA ’15 dean of students. She brings more than 15 years of experience across higher education, K-12 and nonprofit organizations to the role at her alma mater.

As dean, Vásquez will provide leadership in areas central to student life, including:

• Athletics
• Campus ministry
• Counseling services
• Student conduct
• Campus safety
• Dining services
• Residence life
• Student engagement and leadership

She will also guide student life policies, programs and services, and represent the college with the board of trustees, parents and the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa back to Alverno in this important and influential leadership role,” said Gina Rossetti, vice president of Academic Affairs. “As an alumna, she brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of our Alverno community. Her dedication, experience and commitment to student success will inspire our students, strengthen our campus, and ensure every student has the support and opportunities to thrive.”

Vásquez most recently served as director of the Burke Scholarship and Grace & Caroline Scholarship programs at Mount Mary University, supporting up to 120 students annually through financial, academic and wraparound services to support their success. She previously served as director of career program and community partnerships for Carmen Schools of Science and Technology and as a program coordinator for the School of Pre-College Education and the Office of Bilingual Education at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Vásquez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education from Alverno. She began her role on January 26.

About Alverno College

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women. Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Graduate programs, digital badges, degree completion programs and certificate programs are open to all genders. A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.