The College of Education, Health and Society welcomes new dean

From the moment Amity Noltemeyer became a graduate student at Miami University, she felt a strong love for the community that always welcomed and supported her. After graduate school, she worked as a school psychologist in Northeast Ohio. After receiving her doctoral degree and finally returning to Miami as a faculty member, she was confident she could help the university reach its full potential.

On Dec. 1, 2024, Noltemeyer officially became the dean of the College of Education, Health and Society (EHS) at Miami. After serving as interim dean for 11 months, she said she was ready to transition into the role permanently.

“When I transferred to interim, I was doing a lot of learning; I still am,” Noltemeyer said. “It’s been more of a gradual shift to take all the information I’ve learned about the different programs and people, and start to make changes that make our college better.”

Noltemeyer said she credits the mentors she had during her graduate studies and early faculty years with shaping her as a scholar and psychologist. Their encouragement motivated her to give back to the Miami community and treat others as she was treated.

Most weekdays, Noltemeyer can be found in meetings with associate deans and student leadership councils, collaborating on how to meet their goals for the week. She is also in charge of fundraising for EHS and often attends events with students and faculty to promote its programs. Even with her packed schedule, she said she’s always willing to meet with students and faculty.

“There’s rarely an empty moment in the day,” Noltemeyer said. “When there is, I like to have my door open in case issues come up or folks need to come in and meet with me.”

As dean, she said she is focused on creating a positive culture and climate within EHS, ensuring every decision she makes aligns with her goals.

Building connections among faculty is also a very important part of Noltemeyer’s objectives for the college. Even though the faculty and staff have busy schedules full of classes and meetings, she thinks an environment where they enjoy working together is integral to a supportive community.

EHS Student Leadership Council member Brigit Morgan has only worked with Noltemeyer for a year but has already seen changes in EHS.

“We’ve been brainstorming ideas to bring the community closer with EHS,” Morgan said.

Morgan said she encourages students wanting to get involved in EHS to introduce themselves to Noltemeyer and look into becoming an EHS student ambassador. Through this, students can have honest conversations about the future of the college.

Associate Dean for Faculty and Development Nazan Bautista said Noltemeyer’s extensive experience at Miami has helped her make clear and confident decisions that benefit every student and faculty member. She said she admires Noltemeyer’s leadership and involvement as the new dean.

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“She listens [and] encourages open dialogue,” Bautista said. “Faculty and staff members feel valued and heard when she’s the one making the decision.”

Noltemeyer said she believes she will be a successful dean because of her deep care for Miami and its future. She believes her hard work will help EHS and Miami succeed in the long term.

“I try to find ways to make sure people feel respected, valued and get to connect with each other,” Noltemeyer said. “We are all in an environment where students, faculty and staff have a lot going on, but I think we all want to be around each other and care about this place.”

mchenrvg@miamioh.edu