Leah Sheppard has been named as associate dean for strategic initiatives and college culture in the Carson College of Business. Sheppard’s appointment became official Aug. 16, 2025.
Sheppard is an associate professor of management and studies the effect of gender on individuals’ workplace experiences and career outcomes. As associate dean, she plays a key role in facilitating Carson College’s new strategic planning process and leading initiatives related to culture, access, and opportunity within the college. She also serves on the Carson College Leadership Council and Executive Committee that guide college operations.
Carson College Dean Debbie Compeau said Sheppard is an ideal fit for this position.
“As a teacher and scholar, Leah is well-versed on issues related to leadership and workplace climate,” said Compeau. “Her leadership of the college’s strategic planning taskforce will ensure faculty, staff, and student representation is embedded in our efforts to create business insights and opportunities that empower society.”
As a teacher and scholar, Leah is well-versed on issues related to leadership and workplace climate.
Debbie Compeau, dean
Carson College of Business
Washington State University
Sheppard previously served the college as associate dean for access and opportunity — faculty development from 2023 to 2025. She also served on the presidential search advisory committee in 2024 and the university’s faculty workload policy task force in 2025.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to help design a better future for our college as we face some unprecedented challenges within higher education. I’m lucky to be working alongside many colleagues who also feel energized amidst these challenges,” said Sheppard. “My goal is to help the college focus its efforts where they create the greatest value for students, advance research that benefits Washington’s people and organizations, and foster an enriching culture for our students, staff, and faculty.”
Sheppard earned a doctoral degree in business administration from the University of British Columbia, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from the University of Western Ontario. She joined WSU in 2014 and teaches a course on managing workplace diversity for the Department of Management, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship.
