Dawn Sousa-Hearn

Dawn Sousa-Hearn is an experienced higher education professional with a strong background in disability services, student advocacy, and psychological support. In her previous role as the Director of Student Accessibility and Resources at the University of Texas at Tyler, she led a dedicated team in providing accommodations and support for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and fostering an inclusive campus environment.

With a Master of Arts in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Providence College, Dawn has a solid foundation in both psychology and health promotion. She brings over 25 years of experience to her role, having previously served as the Associate Director of Disability Services at Louisiana State University, where she played a pivotal role in increasing student participation and improving service accessibility. Her expertise spans program development, crisis management, faculty training, and resource management. Prior to Texas and Louisiana, Dawn held leadership roles such as Learning Center Director at St. Joseph Catholic School and Clinical Psychologist in the U.S. Air Force, providing support to military service members and their families. Dawn is also deeply engaged in the professional community, formerly serving as the President-elect of the Board of Directors for the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) in Texas and has a proven track record of fostering partnerships to improve accessibility and equity for students with disabilities. Her comprehensive experience and commitment to student success make her a respected leader in the field of student accessibility and inclusion.