Sheila Babendir has been named dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at University of Phoenix, effective January 5, 2026. Babendir joined the university in 2008 and was appointed clinical director of the Master of Science in Counseling program in 2011. Since June 2025, she has served as interim dean, managing daily operations for the college. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers degree programs in counseling, human services, criminal justice, public administration, and social work.
“I am honored to serve as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and to support the work that happens here every day,” said Babendir. “Students come to this field with a wide range of personal and professional experiences, and our role is to help them build the confidence and practical skills needed to meet the needs of the communities they will serve. I look forward to working alongside our faculty and staff to foster learning environments that are supportive, rigorous and centered on helping our students prepare for their chosen career path.”
Previously, Babendir held the position of associate dean for counseling programs. In that role, she led efforts resulting in CACREP accreditation for the online Master of Science in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling program—a process recognized as a significant achievement within academic circles. This accreditation signifies that the program’s purpose, curriculum, and student experience have been evaluated for compliance with established standards.
“Dr. Babendir brings a thoughtful, experience driven approach to leading the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences,” said Christina Neider, Ed.D., Associate Provost of Colleges at University of Phoenix. “Her understanding of academic quality, program development and student needs strengthens the College and supports our focus on providing learning experiences that reflect the realities of today’s workforce. I am confident that her leadership will help advance the College’s academic mission and support its students.”
In addition to her administrative roles at University of Phoenix—which offers more than 100 career-focused programs designed primarily for working adults through both online delivery methods and its campus based in Phoenix [source]—Babendir is an experienced counselor with over twenty years in mental health care across schools, community organizations, medical clinics, integrated healthcare settings.
She holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University (2008) as well as a Master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1995). She remains active within professional groups dedicated to advancing counseling practice.
The college will begin searching for a new associate dean for counseling programs while Babendir continues oversight during this transition period.
University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1978 [source], maintains its headquarters in Phoenix [source], focuses on serving working adults nationwide [source], especially those from underserved communities [source], emphasizing flexible education tailored toward career advancement [source].
