New dean brings 20 years of inclusive leadership to Health and Human Services
Cal State Long Beach has named Jennifer A. Wade-Berg as the next dean of the College of Health and Human Services, effective today.
Wade-Berg arrives from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, where she served as a professor in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, bringing more than two decades of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership and equity initiatives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wade-Berg to The Beach,” said Provost Karen Scissum Gunn. “Her record of leadership, scholarship and service reflects the very best of what we seek in a dean: vision, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to helping students thrive.”
At Kennesaw State, Wade-Berg served as the university's first Chief Diversity Officer and first Assistant Dean for Student Success — roles in which she built programming specifically designed to support first-generation and underrepresented student populations. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to student success initiatives that are culturally responsive and grounded in measurable outcomes.
“It is an honor to step into this role and partner with such an exceptional community of faculty, staff, students and external stakeholders,” Wade-Berg said. “I look forward to building on the college’s strong foundation to advance a shared vision [and] cannot wait to begin this new chapter together.”
Her scholarship spans social enterprise, cultural fluency, sports philanthropy, competency-based learning and student success. She co-authored the ASAE Inclusion Index, a widely used tool that helps nonprofit associations assess their readiness for diversity and inclusion, and secured more than $11 million in federal and foundation funding across her career.
Wade-Berg is also a recognized leader in professional development. She continues to co-lead the Diversity Scholars Professional Development Program and has been honored by the Association of Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action with its Service to the Profession Award. Her research has appeared in a number of journals.
At CSULB, Wade-Berg will lead a college that prepares students for careers across health, social work, human development, kinesiology and related fields. Her experience positions her well to advance the college's mission and deepen its impact across the region. Her appointment reflects the university's Beach 2030 commitment to student success and inclusive excellence.
