Zia Dean

Zia joined Catawba College's Office of Marketing & Communications in 2021 as Assistant Director of Creative Services. She is an accomplished higher education professional with over nearly a decade of project management, communications, and strategic planning experience. A creative thinker with a data-driven analytical aptitude, her innovative techniques and ability to analyze the needs of an institution allow her to develop and implement effective communication strategies. Her previous experience includes k-12 education, higher education student affairs and marketing, and agency work. 

Zia holds a B.A. in English and an M.B.A in Integrated Marketing and Communications from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. She is currently finishing her Ed.D. in higher education leadership at Georgia Southern University. Her research interests include inclusive communication strategies and nontraditional student support.