BaShaun Smith, Ed.D., Dean of Students

As the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, BaShaun oversees and works collaboratively with the Office of the Dean of Students, Residence Life, Community Standards, Rinella Learning Center, and the Miller Center for Student Disability Services.

BaShaun graduated from Bowling Green State University with his Bachelor’s degree and graduated from the University of Dayton with his Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel. He also completed his Doctoral degree from Western Carolina University in Education Leadership. Before coming to Miami in August of 2023, he worked at Western Carolina University for seven years in a variety of roles during his tenure. BaShaun is excited about the opportunity to serve the Miami community and that he is back in Ohio because he is a Cleveland, Ohio native. Being a first-generation college student, BaShaun values relationships and encourages students to build as many as possible during their time at Miami.

Tim Parsons, Associate Dean of Students (he/him)

As the Associate Dean of Students, Tim helps to support students throughout the campus who are dealing with particularly stressful issues that may impact their ability to be successful at Miami. Tim graduated from Wright State University in 1996 with his Master of Science degree and is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio. He also obtained his Master of Divinity degree in Theology from United Theological Seminary in 1993 and did his undergraduate work at The Ohio State University. Prior to coming to Miami in 2008, he and his family were living in Malaysia and working at Dalat International School. Tim is clinically trained and has worked in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, ministry and overseas international education.

Alex Wood, Assistant Dean of Students (he/him)

As the Assistant Dean of Students, Alex’s role is to support students who may be experiencing difficult situations on campus. Alex graduated from Miami University in 2013 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Speech Pathology. He went on to earn his Master's degree in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Having spent most of his career working in K-12 education as a School Counselor, Alex is excited to return to Miami to help college students navigate challenges that may impact their time inside and outside of the classroom.

Ben Williams, Assistant Dean of Students (he/him)

As the Assistant Dean of Students, Benjamin facilitates the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program, supports students navigating campus life, and coordinates student outreach for the Office of the Dean of Students - including the Dean's Advisory Board (DAB). Benjamin graduated from Georgia State University with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, from Miami University with his Master of Science degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education, and is a Doctoral Candidate at Georgia State University in Educational Policy Studies. He brings prior experience in Orientation, Student Activities, Family Engagement, Off-Campus Housing, and Advancement to support the student experience to his role. Benjamin's focus is to help students grow and become the best version of themselves that they can be.

Cecilie McGhehey, Assistant Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator (she/her)

As the Assistant Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Cecilie is here to support all students going through the Title IX process and connect them with the appropriate resources. She received her Bachelor's degree from Ohio University and is completing her Master of Social Work degree at Miami University. Before her current role, Cecilie was a case manager at Miami and worked with students and families to navigate unexpected circumstances on campus. In addition to being an empathetic person by nature, she is a knowledgeable and well-connected resource for Miami students.

Lyndsey Tonyan, Administrative Assistant (she/her)

As the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students, Lyndsey oversees the day-to-day operations of the office, including maintaining schedules, processing paperwork, coordinating meetings, engaging university partners, and providing support to students, parents, and staff. Prior to her current role, Lyndsey served as a Student COVID Case Manager at Miami University, assisting the university’s efforts with its COVID-19 Vaccination Program and Policy.

Venus Harvey, Intern (she/her)

Venus is a senior majoring in political science and philosophy and serves as an intern for the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS). She supports the various functions of the office's student advisory board, including the generation of the Love and Honor Story Project recipients each month. In addition to this, Venus represents ODOS at university events and helps develop social media content for the department. In addition to her internship, Venus is a senator for the Associated Student Government, sits as a student representative on the Student Community Relations Community, and serves as treasurer for the Students Demand Action chapter at Miami. 

Jack Isphording, Intern (he/him)

Jack is a junior majoring in organizational leadership and entrepreneurship and is an intern for the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS). He supports our outreach efforts by connecting with students, identifying challenges, and finding solutions. He helps execute tabling events, engagement opportunities, and programs like the Dean's Dinners. Outside the ODOS, Jack is the treasurer for the Global Business Brigades, is involved with the Governmental Relations Network, and serves as the Chief of Staff for Associated Student Government. Jack is thrilled to support fellow students with their diverse needs and experiences through meaningful connections within the ODOS!