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Neider brings decades of leadership in education, behavioral sciences and military service to the role

��ɫ��Ƶ announces the appointment of Christina Neider, Ed.D., as Associate Provost of Colleges, effective June 8, 2025. In this role, Neider will oversee the University’s colleges and library, with responsibility for program performance, program learning outcomes, and career readiness. Her leadership is grounded in more than 30 years of experience across higher education, healthcare, and the United States Air Force.

“I am honored to be appointed to this role and to continue serving the ��ɫ��Ƶ and its mission to support working adult learners,” said Neider. “Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to aligning education with real-world outcomes. In this new position, I look forward to advancing that commitment by guiding academic strategy, supporting our faculty, and ensuring our students are well-prepared to succeed in today’s workforce.”

Neider most recently served as Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, where she led program development and academic strategy for disciplines focused on counseling, social work and behavioral sciences. Under Neider’s leadership, the College was granted programmatic accreditation of the Online Master of Science in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSC/CMHC) program for a full eight-year term by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), while the Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work received initial accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The College also holds a biannual research symposium, which elevates research from faculty and students, with topics on various aspects of mental health needs, care and support.

“We are fortunate to have such a strong and visionary leader guiding our colleges,” said Vice Provost of Colleges, Curriculum and Assessment, Doris Savron. “Dr. Neider brings a unique blend of academic expertise, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of learner needs. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to provide high-impact, career-relevant education.”

Neider has held multiple academic leadership positions at the University, including Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the College of Health Professions, Dean of Assessment, and Assistant Dean of Curriculum. Her military background includes over 11 years in the U.S. Air Force, where she led instructional teams and supported aviation operations during both peace and wartime missions.

Neider holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Northcentral University and master’s degrees in education (MAEd) and psychology (MSP) from ��ɫ��Ƶ.        

As part of the leadership transition, Sheila Babendir, Ed.D., LPC, has been appointed Interim Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, with oversight of all aspects of the college’s programs including curriculum development, faculty management, programmatic operations and adherence to accreditation standards.

About ��ɫ��Ƶ

��ɫ��Ƶ innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu/blog.html.