Sarah Peyre concludes tenure as dean; Melissa Sturge-Apple to serve as interim dean

As the Warner School dean, Peyre developed a school-wide strategic plan and helped launch new academic programs.

Sarah Peyre, dean of the Warner School of Education and Human Development, has been named the vice dean of education at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) and an associate vice president for clinical education. Peyre will step down as dean of the Warner School on June 30. 

Melissa Sturge-Apple, vice provost and university dean of graduate education, has been appointed interim dean of the Warner School, effective July 1, 2024.

A highly respected medical education scholar, Peyre is well known for her work in the field of simulation and the development of educational innovations that support collaborative health-care models. Her work in interprofessional education includes curriculum development on disparities in health care, leadership, and technology. She has worked on several educational research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, Burroughs Welcome Foundation, and others to improve the areas of expertise, teaming, and educational effectiveness.

“During her time as dean Sarah has led many positive developments at Warner, including organizational improvements, an increased emphasis on research, and deeper investments in academic programs,” says David Figlio, University of Rochester provost and the Gordon Fyfe Professor of Economics and Education. “Her proven skills as a strategic and thoughtful leader will deeply benefit the University’s medical education and clinical care, and I look forward to collaborating with her in this new role.”

As dean of the Warner School, Peyre helped develop and implement the Warner 2030 Strategic Plan, which included launching the Office of Research and the Office of Student Success. She is also credited with advancing important culture climate work at the school by overseeing the creation of the Warner Council for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as launching several new academic programs including the fully online EdD program in health professions education leadership, a master’s in teaching computer science, an advanced certificate bridge program from school counseling to mental health counseling, and a micro-credentialing professional development program.

In her role as vice provost and University dean, Sturge-Apple has overseen academic policies, procedures, and the quality of graduate education across the University. An accomplished scholar, Sturge-Apple’s research broadly focuses on family processes, parental functioning, and child development with an emphasis on families at risk.

“Melissa’s wealth of experience and strong leadership qualities make her well-suited for this role, and I am confident in her ability to lead the School forward," says Peyre. "Her deep familiarity with the Warner School will ensure continuity and strengthen our connections within both Warner and the University, as well as throughout the broader community.”

Learn more at the University of Rochester News Center.