As the MV World Odyssey sets sail for an extraordinary journey, the Fall 2024 Semester at Sea Voyage promises a unique adventure filled with global learning, discovery, and personal growth. At the heart of this experience is a dynamic leadership team, guiding the way to ensure each voyager’s academic, social, and personal success. We are excited to introduce our dedicated leadership at the helm of this voyage, our Voyage Leadership Team (VOLT).
Executive Dean: Dr. Anne Hudgens
Dr. Anne Hudgens brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her role as Executive Dean for Semester at Sea’s Fall 2024 Voyage. With a career that has spanned residence life, student conduct, campus life, teaching, and serving as Dean of Students and Executive Director of the CSU Health Network, Anne is well-prepared to lead this global academic community. Her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion has driven her work, and her previous experience as Dean of Student Life on the Fall 2019 Voyage solidified her commitment to the unique Semester at Sea experience. Anne continues to ensure that the voyage fosters a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community where students can thrive.
Academic Dean: Dr. Roze Hentschell
Guiding the academic experience aboard the ship is Dr. Roze Hentschell, a seasoned educator with a wealth of experience overseeing academic programs. Dr. Hentschell’s dedication to educational equity and her passion for creating enriching, inclusive educational experiences—both domestically and abroad—make her a seasoned and highly capable leader for the voyage. Her advocacy for education abroad is demonstrated through the successful creation and leadership of programs in Mexico, England, and Oxford.
Dean of Students: Pamela Norris
Pamela Norris brings over 25 years of experience in Student Affairs to her role as Dean of Student Life for Semester at Sea’s Fall 2024 Voyage. As the Associate Executive Director for Engagement & Talent Development at Colorado State University’s Lory Student Center, Pamela has cultivated expertise in leadership development, student activities, human resources, and marketing.
Her professional journey includes key roles at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Kansas, reflecting a deep commitment to student growth and development. Pamela’s extensive experience and passion for working with students make her a seasoned leader well-equipped to guide the shipboard community.
Assistant Executive Dean: Dennis Jackson
Dennis Jackson brings over 20 years of experience in Student Affairs to his role as Assistant Executive Dean for Semester at Sea’s Fall 2024 Voyage. His diverse background includes leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, Residence Life, Student Conduct, Compliance, and Student Activities across various institutions in North Carolina, California, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
With previous experience on two Semester at Sea voyages—serving as Assistant Dean of Students in Fall 2019 and as a Resident Director in Fall 2015—Dennis is well-equipped to support and guide students throughout this global educational journey.
Assistant Dean of Student Life: Christy Anthony
Christy Anthony brings over two decades of experience in both secondary and higher education to her role as Assistant Dean of Student Life for Semester at Sea’s Fall 2024 Voyage. Her professional expertise spans anti-discrimination and equity administration, community conflict management, and student conduct at a wide range of institutions, including Ivy League schools, STEM, arts, business, and religiously-affiliated universities.
Additionally, Christy has taught secondary English Literature and Humanities and maintains her teaching license. A returning Semester at Sea team member, Christy’s passion for education, combined with her diverse background, makes her a seasoned and dynamic leader for the voyage.
Academic Advisor/Registrar: D Tobiassen Baitinger
D Tobiassen Baitinger brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education to her role as Academic Advisor/Registrar for Semester at Sea’s Fall 2024 Voyage. Currently serving as the University Registrar at Colorado State University, D is dedicated to student success and collaboration across campus.
As a first-generation college graduate, she holds a deep personal commitment to making higher education accessible to all. Returning to Semester at Sea after previously serving in this role on the Fall 2016 voyage, D looks forward to reconnecting with the shipboard community, enjoying the open seas, and sharing this adventure with her partner and children.
Field Director: Leora Hafri
Leora Hafri brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience to her role as Field Director for Semester at Sea’s Fall 2024 Voyage. Her background includes strategic management in the fitness, health, and wellness sectors, and she currently serves as an independent consultant and Interim Executive Director for the Adaptive Training Academy, promoting inclusivity in active lifestyles. Leora has held key leadership roles, including COO of an LGBTQ+ nonprofit and Executive Director of a youth development nonprofit, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Georgia.
With previous Semester at Sea experience as both a student and staff member on the Fall 2022 voyage, Leora’s global perspective and extensive travel to over 55 countries make her a seasoned and impactful leader, ready to foster life-changing experiences for the shipboard community.
Care Team Director: Olivia Muñoz
Dr. Olivia “Oli” Muñoz brings over 15 years of interdisciplinary student affairs experience to her role as Care Team Director for Semester at Sea’s Fall 2024 Voyage. Her leadership roles have included Dean of Students for Community Care and Inclusion at Willamette University, Associate Dean of Students at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Director of Residential Life at Mills College.
A proud first-generation graduate, Oli has earned degrees from Central Michigan University, California State University, Fresno, and the University of San Francisco. With previous experience sailing as a Resident Director on two Semester at Sea voyages, her passion for cultural engagement and student support makes her a seasoned leader dedicated to fostering a caring, inclusive environment on board.
Follow Along the Voyage
As we embark on this transformative voyage, the leadership team is ready to inspire, support, and challenge every member of the shipboard community. Their passion for education, global engagement, and student development will undoubtedly make the Fall 2024 Semester at Sea Voyage an unforgettable experience for all.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the MV World Odyssey as we navigate this journey of discovery together!
