Profile
Dr. Mari Watanabe-Rose serves as Chief of Staff to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Her career in education began in Tokyo, Japan, where she worked as a language instructor and developed a lasting interest in how people learn and what inspires them to want to learn. In 2000, Mari relocated to New York to pursue postgraduate studies in psychology. While completing her degrees, she worked as a behavioral therapist for children with developmental disabilities and taught as an adjunct instructor at Queens College. In 2009, she joined the City University of New York (CUNY) Central Office of Academic Affairs, where she played a key role in advancing a range of student success and professional development initiatives.
As a project leader, researcher, and collaborator, Mari built strong partnerships across CUNY and beyond to stimulate curiosity and creativity both in and outside the classroom. Her work is grounded in the belief that a sense of belonging is central to motivation and well-being—something she has experienced firsthand through her engagement with students and colleagues. At Hunter College, she continues to advocate for inclusive, supportive environments that empower all members of the community.
Mari holds a BA in Educational Psychology from Meisei University in Tokyo, an MA in General Psychology from Queens College (CUNY), and a PhD in Psychology (Learning Processes and Behavior Analysis) from the CUNY Graduate Center. She is an avid fan of sports, as well as the arts and sciences.