The Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA) at Youngstown State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Christina Saenger, an experienced leader, teacher and researcher, as Interim Dean.

This appointment was effective July 1, 2025.

Saenger, a native of Northeast Ohio, joined the College in 2014 soon after completing her PhD in Marketing from Kent State University. She has served as associate dean of WCBA since 2022, a role in which she has demonstrated the strategic focus, leadership and collaborative spirit essential to leading the College forward.

In that capacity, she helped maintain continuity during periods of change, provided critical strategic direction, generated momentum on major initiatives, served as a key liaison with institutional leadership and ensured clarity and focus across the College.

She brings to the role a strong record of collaborative academic leadership and a deep commitment to student success.

Over the past three years, she has led efforts in close collaboration with faculty and staff to revitalize and sharpen the focus of WCBA’s mission, develop the 2024–2029 Strategic Plan through an inclusive, college-wide process, modernize the undergraduate business curriculum, expand access to online degree programs and provide critical leadership in the College’s successful AACSB reaccreditation. Her collaborative and outcome-driven approach has positioned the College as a regional leader in accessible, career-focused business education.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of this college,” said Saenger in a message to WCBA faculty and staff. “My contributions have always been guided by collaboration, communication and shared goals — you can continue to expect that from me in this expanded role. We’ve got great momentum to build on, and I’m excited for all that we will create and accomplish together.”

At the university level, Saenger has served for the past two years as director of faculty relations, where she leads efforts related to faculty support, professional concerns and facilitates solutions in support of a collaborative and collegial academic environment.

In 2022, she was awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor, recognizing her excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Saenger’s appointment reflects WCBA’s continued commitment to collaborative leadership, academic excellence, and strategic progress—and positions the College to thrive under her experienced and forward-looking leadership.