Lisa Waldner, Ph.D.
Lisa Waldner, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Achievement
Email: lkwaldner@stthomas.eduPhone: (651) 962-5438
About Lisa Waldner, Ph.D.
Dr. Lisa Waldner is the Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Achievement and a professor of sociology. In her current role she oversees programs and departments related to student achievement and success including Aquinas Scholars, Academic Counseling, Disability Resources, Academic Support Services for Athletics, and Undergraduate Research. In collaboration with Student Affairs, she oversees Retention and Student Success, the Career Center, and the First-Year Experience program. She taught primarily research methods and statistics for the sociology and criminal justice program and served as the department chair before becoming associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. In the CAS Dean's office her primary responsibilities included assessment, program review, and student issues and concerns. Her research is focused primarily in three areas including intimate partner violence in LGBT couples, right-wing extremism, and graffiti as political expression.
Prior to coming to St. Thomas in 2001, Dr. Waldner was a tenured, associate professor of sociology at the University of Houston-Downtown and received the university's highest teaching award. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Iowa State University, a master's in sociology from Minnesota State, Mankato, and a bachelor's degree with a double major in sociology and psychology also from Minnesota State. She is a proud first-generation college student and began her academic career at Willmar Community College earning an AA degree.