Samantha Shapses

Samantha Shapses serves as Senior Associate Dean and Dean of Student Affairs at Columbia Business School, where she provides strategic leadership for the Office of Student Affairs and partners across the institution to shape a cohesive and impactful student experience.

Her work focuses on aligning student life and academic initiatives to foster an environment in which students experience a strong sense of belonging, agency, and inclusive engagement. She oversees academic advising and student success efforts across programs and works closely with students, faculty, and administrators to strengthen community, support student development, and navigate complex student matters, including overseeing disciplinary and honor code processes.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education across student and academic affairs, Dr. Shapses brings a holistic and collaborative approach to leadership, with a focus on building trust, strengthening institutional culture, and enhancing the overall student experience.

In addition to her administrative role, she serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia Business School and has previously taught at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, New York University, and Teachers College.

Her work is grounded in a broader interest in how business schools foster leadership, strengthen community at scale, and prepare students to lead and navigate an increasingly complex global environment.