Mount Mercy University has named Francesca (Checka) Leinwall, Ph.D., dean of students. She was previously the vice president for student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville.
As dean of students, Leinwall is responsible for leadership in all areas of student affairs, and for providing high quality student services and support programs for all Mount Mercy University students, including residential, commuter, adult, and international populations.
Leinwall received her master's in counselor education from The Pennsylvania State University, her doctoral degree in higher education administration with a concentration in student affairs and law from the University of Virginia.
Leinwall previously held positions with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as the associate director of student life and director of campus activities and programs; Central Missouri State University as the director of campus activities; The Bon-Ton Stores Incorporated as a training coordinator; Lycoming College as the director of student activities; and Ohio University as the assistant director of student activities, and resident director.
She is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, American College Personnel Association and the Association of Fraternity Advisors. She has been published in The Journal of Leadership Studies. Her professional areas of interest include college student development, diversity and multiculturalism, and assessment.