Linda Seestedt-Stanford, Ph.D.
Dean
207 Belk
828-227-7271

After a one year hiatus serving the institution as Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor, Linda Seestedt-Stanford has returned to her deanship. She begins her fifth year as founding dean of Western Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Sciences. Dean Seestedt-Stanford came to Western Carolina University in July 2007 from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University (CMU), where she served as assistant dean. Prior to that appointment she was Director of Audiology Clinical Instruction and Services in the Department of Communication Disorders. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and her master’s degree in audiology both from Central Michigan, and her doctorate in higher, adult and lifelong education from Michigan State University. Dr. Stanford is highly regarded for her work in the area of pediatric audiology. She is often referred to by colleagues as a “pioneer” in the diagnosis and treatment of deaf and hard of hearing children. Her career has been one of collaboration and community engagement. She has presented regionally and nationally, published over twenty articles in professional journals, co-authored a book on language learning disabilities, and obtained over a million dollars worth of grants and contracts. She has also worked for 20 years in private health care practice in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Her expertise as a clinician, teacher, researcher and entrepreneur position her well to support the faculty and students of the College of Health and Human Sciences and the western North Carolina community as they work collaboratively to improve the health and wellness of its citizens.

Marie T. Huff, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
207 Belk
828-227-7271

Dr. Huff is an Asheville native who came to WCU in 1998. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia in 1986 and her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1998. Before becoming Associate Dean in 2008, Dr. Huff was a faculty member in the department of social work and served as department head from 2006-2008. Dr. Huff has over ten years of social work practice experience is in the field of mental health with adolescents and their families. She was employed as a clinical social worker and maintained a part-time private practice in Georgia. Her teaching and research interest include addictions and cultural competence in mental health practice.

Judy Dillard
Executive Assistant
207 Belk
828-227-2143

Judy Dillard joined WCU as an administrative secretary in 2004, bringing with her 15 years of prior service in the UNC-system.  Her WCU career began in the Office of Law, Equity & Auditing.  She joined the Office of the Dean in January of 2006 as Executive Assistant.  Judy is an Alabama native but she and her husband proudly claim western North Carolina as their home.

Gwen Nicholson
Administrative Support Specialist
207 Belk
828-227-2144

Gwen Nicholson assumed the role of Administrative Support Specialist in the Office of the Dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences in June of 2008.  Prior to joining the Office of the Dean, Gwen served as an administrative assistant with the MSN Nursing program at the Enka from 2007-2008.  Her previous employment history includes 25 years at the Smoky Mountain Center and Meridian Behavioral Health Services in the Accounts Payable and Purchasing Departments.