Joya A. Crear joined the Johns Hopkins University community as the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Belonging and Community and Associate Dean of Students in January 2025. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, she directs university-wide strategies to strengthen student engagement and cultivate a sense of belonging across the institution. Dr. Crear’s portfolio includes oversight of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Religious and Spiritual Life, aligning programs and partnerships that connect students with the rich array of communities at Hopkins and in the Baltimore area.
Known for combining empathic listening with decisive, data-informed action, Dr. Crear helps students build meaningful pathways to involvement, reflection, and learning. A recognized thought leader and advocate for mental wellness and inclusive excellence, she is committed to fostering environments where individuals can bring their full academic and co-curricular experiences.
Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Crear served eight years as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Marquette University. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University, her M.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and her B.A. from Howard University.