VCU School of Business appoints Katybeth Lee as assistant dean of student success
By Megan Nash
The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Business has announced the appointment of Katybeth Lee, Ph.D., as the assistant dean of student success, effective Oct. 10.
Lee brings more than two decades of experience in student achievement and corporate engagement. She has been a staff member at VCU since 2014 and, in 2021, expanded her role to designing and teaching career development courses for more than 800 students annually.
In her new role, Lee will build on her leadership of Business Career Services and Student Engagement, focusing on initiatives that connect academic coursework with practical experiences to support student retention and career preparation. Central to her agenda is strengthening partnerships with corporate and community organizations to expand professional opportunities for students.
As executive director of Business Career Services and Student Engagement at VCU Business, Lee has had a measurable impact on student outcomes.
Under her leadership, graduate employment rates rose from 52% to 91% over three years. She also created the VCU Career Services Employer Partner Program and secured more than $250,000 in support for the university from community partners.
“I see our success metrics as a reflection of how well we serve and support our students,” said Lee. “Focusing on programs and partnerships that drive student achievement is not only our responsibility—it’s our privilege. I’m excited to build on the progress we’ve made and work toward even greater success.”
Lee’s most recent research on career search self-efficacy, titled “Enhancing Career Search Self-Efficacy: A Required Course Approach in a Diverse Undergraduate Business Environment,” has been accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of Student Affairs Inquiry, Improvement, and Impact. She was also recognized with the VCU Business Excellence in Creativity Award in 2024 for her contributions to student success and innovation.
A VCU alumna, Lee earned her Ph.D. in public policy and administration from the university, an M.A. in higher education and student affairs from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in religious studies from The College of William & Mary.
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