CofC Announces New Dean of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Juliet Spencer was appointed as the next dean of the College of Charleston School of Natural and Environmental Sciences on April 21, 2026.

Spencer currently serves as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, where she has also held roles as director of the School of the Sciences and chair of the Department of Biology. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Virginia, an MBA with an emphasis in women in leadership from Texas Woman’s University and a B.S. in biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

A nationally recognized leader in student success, Spencer was recently honored with the 2025 Outstanding Support of Student Success by an Administrator Award from the National Organization for Student Success. 

“Dr. Spencer brings a strong record of administrative leadership paired with an accomplished research portfolio,” says Suzanne Austin, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost at the College of Charleston. “I am confident that her vision, experience and commitment to student and faculty success will further advance the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the institution.”

As principal investigator on more than $7 million in external funding, she is conducting advanced research in virus-host interactions, immune modulation and cancer biology while building inclusive, student-centered research environments. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to mentoring students and faculty, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and aligning academic programs with workforce and societal needs.

Austin expressed appreciation to Interim Dean Seth Pritchard for his exemplary leadership during this transition.