Dr. Suzanne Onorato

                Dr. Suzanne Onorato is currently the Associate Dean of Students at Agnes Scott College since January of 2011.  Onorato worked at Florida International University for over eleven years where she served in the Women’s Center since December of 2004 and prior to that worked in Housing and Residential Life since June of 2000.  She earned her Doctoral degree in Higher Education from Florida International University.  Onorato earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amhurst.

            When Dr. Oronato graduated from high school, she knew not attending a university would not be an option, it was an expectation of her family and herself. Oronato chose the University of Massachusetts Amherst to pursue a degree in Art, expecting to become an art teacher one day. Throughout her undergraduate years, she was not involved in extracurricular activities, but worked for the Division of Student Affairs in the Research Office completing assessment on various university programs.  In that job, she found her two faculty mentors: Gary Melanie the director of the office and faculty member for the master’s higher education program who taught her the politics of higher education, and Mary Ellen Steadler a faculty member who encouraged her to continue her education.  She chose to change her career path after learning how Massachusetts’ education system was struggling. The art teacher she worked with during her student teaching experience had lost his classroom; he was required to push a cart from class to class in order to give his lesson.

Onorato decide to pursue higher education. She chose to stay at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for her master’s degree. Her assistantship was in the Student Affairs Research office, and her internship at the Orientation Office. Through these experiences, Onorato discovered higher education was the right fit for her.

            She began her professional career in residence life, working at several institutions including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and was the director for the Women’s Center at Florida International University from 2005 - 2010. After working for large research-based institutions, Onorato looked for a unique experience and found her current position at a small liberal arts women’s college located in Georgia. Dr. Oronato is currently serving as the Associate Dean of Students, and holds a national leadership position with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators serving as co-chair for the Women in Student Affairs Knowledge Community. 

            According to Onorato, every day is a struggle to maintain a balance between work and personal life responsibilities.  As a single and independent woman, Oronato has her priorities organized, and she point out how exercise is an important part of her daily schedule.  As a woman, she makes her own choices in life and knows what she wants to achieve.  She admits that she is not interested in marriage and kids, but she hopes to find a partner who supports her.  Oronato's biggest accomplishment is completing her Ed.D while working full time.

            There are a high number of senior men in higher education, but women's representation is gradually increasing.  Men tend to be in the roles of Vice President of Finance or Marketing.  Onorato is fortunate to be part of the education field due to the welcoming atmosphere for females.  However, there are a few males in the higher positions who have treated her as an inexperienced professional due to her youthful appearance.  Her experience working in a women's college, has given her the unique opportunity to work in a female-dominated office.  Dr. Onorato shared that in the Student Affairs there is not much of a variance in the style of offered by women versus men.  She has built positive relationships with those who promote inclusively in the work place.  Dr. Onorato has noticed there is salary discrepancy between genders in higher education.  Oronato mentioned how faculty members (majority men) who teach in the STEM fields earn more money rather than a faculty who teaches education.

            Dr. Onorato's journey to student affairs field is distinctive and inspiring for many women whose goal is to become an administrator in higher education.  She feels that work is part of our lives and believes in the motto of empowering the youth.