Michael Kocet, PhD, is the new dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education. He assumed his leadership role on July 1.
As dean, Kocet provides leadership to a broad variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and courses: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Education, English, History, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Theological and Pastoral Studies.
His responsibilities include curriculum development, student support, faculty and staff supervision and professional development, and budget management among others.
He has been a higher education administrator for over 30 years in both academic and student affairs. He comes to Neumann from the University of Colorado at Denver where he served as professor of counseling from 2023-2026 and as assistant vice chancellor for graduate education from 2023-2025.
In his role as assistant vice chancellor, Kocet was the chief administrative officer for graduate education, providing oversight and leadership for over 75 graduate programs in seven schools and colleges.
Previously he was a professor and department chair of the Counselor Education Departments at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Illinois and at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts where he taught both counseling and student affairs courses.
“What attracted me to Neumann University was its mission to serve students,” he explains. “I was impressed with the RISES values at Neumann. They are not just words on a banner or website; the RISES values are integrated into everything on campus. Even in my few weeks at Neumann University, I’ve seen the RISES values embodied by faculty and staff and how to best support students. I believe deeply in the transformative power of relationships, community, and education. Throughout my career, I have been guided by a philosophy of servant leadership grounded in listening, collaboration, compassion, and shared purpose.
“I believe leadership is helping create environments where people can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and discover their fullest potential. At the heart of my vision for our School is a commitment to cultivating a culture of mattering and belonging. I believe that students flourish academically, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and professionally when they experience a genuine sense of connection and know that they are seen, valued, supported, and encouraged. Likewise, faculty and staff do their most meaningful work when they feel respected, empowered, and connected to a shared mission. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve at NU.”
Kocet is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Board-Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Fellow of the American Counseling Association. His professional areas of interest include mental health ethics, counseling LGBTQ+ individuals, and grief counseling.
In addition, he is an internationally renowned expert in a new therapeutic modality - culinary therapy, which uses cooking as a therapeutic tool in counseling and well-being.
He is co-author of the text Ethical Decision Making for the 21st Century Counselor (Cognella) and author of Counseling Gay Men, Adolescents, and Boys: A Strength-Based Guide for Helping Professionals and Educators (Routledge).
He has received Distinguished Alumni Awards from both of his alma maters, Bowling Green State University and the University of Arkansas.