APUS Appoints Dr. Nicholas Wernicki as New Dean for the School of Arts, Humanities, and Education

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American Public University System (APUS) has appointed Dr. Nicholas Wernicki as the new Dean of its School of Arts, Humanities, and Education, effective May 22, 2025. Dr. Wernicki brings significant academic leadership experience, having previously served as Associate Dean at Santa Fe Community College and Dean positions at Albright College and Delaware County Community College. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Philosophical and Theological Studies from Drew University, an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Villanova University, and a B.S. in Marketing from DeSales University. Dr. Wernicki succeeds Interim Dean Dr. Michelle Newman and joins APUS's Academic Senior Leadership Team alongside three other deans overseeing various schools within the university system.

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS) has named Dr. Nicholas Wernicki the Dean of its Arts, Humanities, and Education School, effective as of May 22. Dr. Wernicki brings extensive academic leadership and workforce development experience to this role, and the University is excited to have him join its Academic Senior Leadership Team. 

"Dr. Wernicki is uniquely suited to lead our School of Arts, Humanities, and Education, as he comes to us with strong experience in both academic operations and academic affairs," said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Provost, APUS. "His track record of academic excellence makes him an ideal fit to help prepare our global students for tomorrow's challenges."

Over the last decade, Dr. Wernicki has held several leadership and teaching roles at three liberal arts colleges. At Santa Fe Community College, he was Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development for almost two years. There, he also helped launch a non-profit workforce development subsidiary to the College. Prior to that, Dr. Wernicki served as a Dean at Albright College, where he was also an Associate Professor of Philosophy. Beforehand, Dr. Wernicki was a Dean at Delaware County Community College.

"I am both humbled and honored to help shape the leaders of tomorrow at American Public University and American Military University," said Dr. Wernicki. "I am inspired by the school's deep commitment to student success and excited to further advance scholarly initiatives in support of that commitment."

Dr. Wernicki succeeds Dr. Michelle Newman, Vice Provost of Academic Operations, who was serving as Interim Dean. He joins three other deans at APUS: Dr. Jeremi Bauer, Dean, Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business; Dr. Brian Freeland, Dean, School of Health Sciences, and Dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM); and Dr. Julie Rouge, Dean, School of Security and Global Studies.

Dr. Wernicki earned his Ph.D. in Philosophical and Theological Studies from Drew University. He has an M.Phil. in Philosophical and Theological Studies, also from Drew University. He has his M.A. in Liberal Studies from Villanova University, and a B.S. in Marketing from DeSales University.

Visit here for more info on the University's School of Arts, Humanities, and Education.

The School's Arts, Humanities and Education Faculty Search Committee was instrumental in the hiring process.

About American Public University System 

American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 33-year history and vibrant community of over 155,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning¹. APUS is in the top 22% for students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,396 colleges and universities nationwide, based on data collected by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2025)². 

APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu.  

¹ APUS has been honored with the online Learning Consortium's Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and is a five-time recipient of the consortium's Effective Practice Award https://www.apus.edu/newsroom/awards/. 

² https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2025/ Ranking based on the most recent data available (2021-2022 cohort) showing students' median earnings 20 years following their initial enrollment at APUS.

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military. 

Media Contact
Frank Tutalo
Associate Vice President, Public Relations
FTutalo@apus.edu 

 

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SOURCE American Public University System

FAQ

Who is the new Dean of APUS School of Arts, Humanities, and Education in 2025?

Dr. Nicholas Wernicki was appointed as the new Dean of APUS School of Arts, Humanities, and Education, effective May 22, 2025.

What is Dr. Nicholas Wernicki's educational background?

Dr. Wernicki holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Philosophical and Theological Studies from Drew University, an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Villanova University, and a B.S. in Marketing from DeSales University.

What was Dr. Nicholas Wernicki's previous work experience before joining APUS?

Dr. Wernicki previously served as Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Santa Fe Community College, Dean at Albright College where he was also an Associate Professor of Philosophy, and Dean at Delaware County Community College.

Who did Dr. Nicholas Wernicki replace as Dean at APUS?

Dr. Wernicki succeeded Dr. Michelle Newman, who was serving as Interim Dean and is the Vice Provost of Academic Operations.

How many deans are currently serving at APUS?

APUS has four deans: Dr. Wernicki, Dr. Jeremi Bauer (Business), Dr. Brian Freeland (Health Sciences and STEM), and Dr. Julie Rouge (Security and Global Studies).