SXU Announces Angela Pirlott as Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Education
Angela Pirlott, Ph.D., has been named dean of Saint Xavier University's (SXU) College of Liberal Arts and Education (CLAE). As dean, Pirlott hopes to develop stronger procedures to improve teaching and course offerings to better serve students; cultivate and support the excellent leaders and faculty who have developed strong academic programs within the college; and continue building a positive work environment for the faculty and staff delivering such fantastic programs to SXU students.
"We are confident in Dr. Pirlott's ability to lead and her demonstrated commitment to fostering excellence in education, research and service. Dr. Pirlott has proven her dedication to the success of our students, faculty and the future success of SXU, and we look forward to her continued impact on the growth and advancement of the College of Liberal Arts and Education," said Keith Elder, Ph.D., president.
Pirlott, who has been at SXU since 2015, started her journey as an assistant professor before becoming associate professor with tenure and has taught courses at various levels, mentoring over 50 students in research who presented 80 conference posters and talks, co-authored publications, and gained acceptance into graduate programs or began academic careers. From 2022 to 2023, she was a University Fellow and served as chair of the Psychology Department. From 2023 to 2024, she led the Social Sciences Division as interim director. During both of those academic years, the undergraduate Psychology program earned high rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
Pirlott believes that her experience as a faculty member has helped to prepare her for her new role.
"As a faculty member, I was able to gain the most important experiences – being in the classroom with our students. I was also fortunate to work in a department in which faculty regularly collaborated with each other about how we could improve our teaching to be more effective and better meet our students' needs, so I was able to grow as an instructor. As department chair, I got a 'behind-the-scenes' understanding of how the academic enterprise is built and how it runs, which has informed a lot of my perspective," said Pirlott.
Pirlott is also grateful for the kind and supportive colleagues she has at SXU and feels lucky to work with faculty and staff who care very deeply about their students.
"I am extremely fortunate to work with an excellent team comprised of leaders who will advocate for the best interests of our students and programs. It's wonderful to see faculty who will do whatever it takes in the name of serving students," said Pirlott.
Over the years, Pirlott has built strong relationships with her students.
"My favorite class to teach is statistics. Students usually come in with a lot of trepidation, but they work so hard and are willing to trust me. I set the class up to give them the best chance of mastering the material, and when they finish, they feel very proud because they've mastered a skill they didn't have before. The students and I often form a relationship "forged in fire" in that class that is incredibly rewarding. Many go on to work on research with me or co-author publications, and these rewarding relationships last even after students graduate. It's wonderful to be part of that experience," said Pirlott.
Pirlott was drawn to Saint Xavier because of its mission, and it's something she continues to keep at top of mind.
"I was and always have been most impressed with the mission of Saint Xavier, to provide an education for those who might not otherwise have access, which makes what we do in the classroom all the more meaningful. We provide a life-changing education that enables students to climb in social mobility. It is an honor to be part of this mission," said Pirlott.
Pirlott holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and women's studies from Marquette University and a master's degree and doctorate in social psychology from Arizona State University. Before coming to SXU, she served as an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.