Passaic Today

Montclair State University has announced Ronald Werner-Wilson as the new dean of its College for Community Health, starting June 1, 2025. The university cited Werner-Wilson's extensive background in adolescent development and family science as key attributes for his new role.

Werner-Wilson transitions to Montclair from North Dakota State University, where his roles included professor of Human Development and Family Science, dean of the College of Human Sciences and Education, and interim dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. Notably, he played a significant part in advocating for the integration of the College of Health Professions and the College of Human Sciences, even though this led to the elimination of his own position as dean.

“The opportunity to provide leadership is exciting,” Werner-Wilson remarked, reflecting on his move to Montclair, a university he considers aligned with his principles. He expressed a strong pull towards Montclair’s commitment to community engagement, highlighted by the partnership with Montclair Township to establish New Jersey’s first Academic Health Department. “That kind of community engagement, I take seriously,” he added.

The university's Provost, Junius Gonzales, expressed his excitement about Werner-Wilson’s appointment, emphasizing his substantial experience in community health, research, and administrative roles. “I’m delighted that Dr. Werner-Wilson has decided to take the helm,” Gonzales stated, noting the value of Werner-Wilson's experience as the college moves forward.

Werner-Wilson’s academic journey has taken him through leadership and research roles at various institutions, including the University of Kentucky, Iowa State University, Colorado State University, and Western Michigan University. His work primarily revolves around adolescence, marriage and family therapy, and gender dynamics. Werner-Wilson noted the complexities adolescents face, stating, "Adolescents are going through so much in terms of trying to figure out who they are."

Previously, at Iowa State, he was instrumental in a multi-state project on positive youth development, funded by the Department of Agriculture, and directed the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. Furthering his expertise, he has authored numerous publications including "Developmental-Systemic Family Therapy with Adolescents."

Werner-Wilson holds a PhD in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia, along with a Master’s in Sociology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Georgia State University. He looks forward to a collaborative role at Montclair, aiming to contribute significantly to the success of the college. “What can I do to help the folks in the college be successful in creating opportunities and doing their work?” he mentioned as part of his servant leadership philosophy.