Warner Pacific University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marlo Waters as Dean of Academic Operations in the Office of Academic Affairs, effective August 15, 2025.
Dr. Waters brings 20 years of experience in the Registrar’s Office and academic administration in faith-based higher education. She has served as WPU’s Registrar since 2019 and will continue to support the Registrar’s Office through the Fall 2025 semester while transitioning into her new role.
She holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, an M.S. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education Administration, and a B.S. in Mathematics. A graduate of the 2019 cohort of the WSCUC Assessment Leadership Academy, Dr. Waters is well-versed in data management, accreditation, and assessment, combining academic expertise with operational leadership in her new position.
Dr. Waters joins the Office of Academic Affairs, which is responsible for overseeing academic programs, faculty, and student learning experiences. In her new capacity, she will strengthen academic operations and support the University’s growth in program quality and innovation.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a higher education professional with Dr. Waters’ depth of experience, higher education knowledge, and creative problem-solving abilities. She will be able to strengthen the Office of Academic Affairs in delivering high-quality programs and learning experiences for our students while helping us to innovate as we look to future growth in our academic offerings,” said Dr. Latrissa Lee Neiworth, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Faculty.
Dr. Waters believes in using technology, structure, and innovation to create effective systems and processes that facilitate student pathways to graduation. She is energized by projects that combine big-picture vision with detail-oriented execution, and she looks forward to leading initiatives that will uphold and enhance the University’s academic mission.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Waters has been married for more than 20 years to Dr. Steve Waters, a recently retired WPU mathematics professor. Together, they enjoy a variety of activities including church involvement, intellectual pursuits, and travel. They are especially grateful whenever they can have time with their extended family and their four granddaughters.