Meet the Deans
Steve Goodwin, Dean
Dean Goodwin joined the faculty in the Department of Microbiology
in 1986. His research area has been environmental microbiology and
the use of microbes to produce biodegradable polymers. He teaches
the Introductory Biology course at the University and
helps administer the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment
Station. Dr. Goodwin received a B.S. in Zoology from the University
of Maine, an M.S in Environmental Science from the University of
Virginia, and a Ph.D. in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin.
Having grown up in Beverly Massachusetts, he now resides in Northampton
Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.
Martha Baker, Associate Dean
Dean Baker has been at UMass for 20 years. She originally was a
faculty member in the Department of Consumer Studies before joining
the Academic Programs Office three years ago. As Associate Dean,
Dr. Baker serves as the academic advisor to all undeclared students
in NRE and deals with a wide variety of student issues – from
scholarships to working with students in academic jeopardy. Dr.
Baker is originally from Massachusetts. She received a B.S. from
the University of Vermont, an M.S. from Purdue University and an
Ed.D from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Brenda McComb, Associate Dean
Dean McComb has been at UMass since 1996. She originally was a Department Head and faculty member in Natural Resources Conservation before joining the Academic Programs Office in 2008. As Associate Dean, Brenda serves as the Associate Director of the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station and is the College's liason with UMass Extension. In addition, she represents the research and outreach missions of the College on campus, as well as with stakeholders and collaborators throughout the Commonwealth and the country. She received a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Connecticut, and a PhD from Louisiana State University. Prior to coming to UMass she has held faculty positions at the University of Kentucky and Oregon State University.