Dayton Business Journal: Wright State University names new deans for business, health colleges

Two colleges under a leading Dayton-area higher education institution are entering the next academic year with fresh leadership.

Wright State University has announced the appointment of two dean-level positions within two of the university’s major schools of study: the College of Health, Education and Human Services and the Raj Soin College of Business.

Marty Sexton, permanent dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services

Marty Sexton was appointed dean of Wright State University’s College of Health, Education and Human Services.

The first appointment is of Marty Sexton to the position of permanent dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services at Wright State University, effective immediately.

“I’m inspired by the fact that all six of our schools prepare students for careers that directly help communities thrive,” she said. “Our graduates are in high demand and enter fulfilling professions where they genuinely make a difference.”

Sexton has served as acting dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services since January 2025. She succeeds Jim Denniston, who was recently appointed vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Sexton intends to use Wright State’s increasing partnership with Premier Health to offer more student clinical and field placements, and sees significant growth potential through local partnerships, especially in behavioral health and child well-being.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Sexton as she leads the college to prepare students for impactful careers in aviation, education and leadership, health and exercise sciences, nursing, professional psychology and social work and human services,” Denniston said.

She joined Wright State’s College of Health, Education and Human Services in 2022, serving as chief nursing officer and academic partnership liaison to Premier Health, director of interprofessional education and associate dean. Sexton also previously served as chair and associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Nursing at the University of Toledo.

Sexton earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree in psychiatric–mental health nursing from the Medical College of Ohio, and completed her doctorate in higher education from the University of Toledo.

Dawn Conway, interim dean and executive in residence of the Raj Soin College of Business

Dawn Conway, former Wright State trustee and Boost Engagement president and CEO, has agreed to serve as interim dean and executive in residence of the Raj Soin College of Business.

Amid incumbent Dean Donald Hopkins’ upcoming retirement at the end of June, Dawn Conway, a former Wright State University trustee, has agreed to serve as interim dean and executive in residence of the Raj Soin College of Business, beginning Aug. 4.

“I am honored to continue my service to Wright State University in this new role as interim dean of the Raj Soin College of Business, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable drive and potential of our students,” Conway said. “Wright State plays a vital role not only in shaping the next generation of business leaders but also in driving innovation and economic growth throughout our region.”

Conway served on the Wright State University Board of Trustees from 2021 until April 2025, including as vice chair during the 2024–25 academic year.

She is also the current president and CEO of Boost Engagement, a woman-owned company providing employee engagement products and branded merchandise. In this role, she oversees corporate leadership and execution across the company’s brand portfolio.

She has also served as chief operating officer of Cision and held key leadership positions at LexisNexis, where she worked in corporate responsibility, global licensing, business development, sales and marketing.

“Dawn Conway brings the ideal combination of business leadership experience and understanding of Wright State’s mission from her board service,” Denniston said. “Her deep connections to our regional business community and commitment to excellence will be tremendous assets at the Raj Soin College of Business. We are fortunate to welcome her expertise to this crucial leadership role.”

Conway has a Bachelor of Arts from Regis College and a law degree from California Western School of Law. She completed executive training at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the Reed Elsevier Business Leadership Program.

An attorney, she is a member of the D.C. Court of Appeals and a former member of the ABA Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. Conway has also served on multiple arts and communication boards, including the Dayton Art Institute and the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication.

Wright State will partner with a search firm to conduct a national search for a permanent dean for the Raj Soin College of Business this fall.