Teresa E. Shafer, Ph. D.

Dean of Outcomes Assessment
Tiffin University’s School of Business

Dr. Teresa E. Shafer holds a Ph.D. in Sociology with an emphasis in family demography.  She earned her doctorate from Bowling Green State University in 1998.  Her Master of Arts Degree is also from Bowling Green State University while both her undergraduate degrees are from Ohio State University.   

Her scholarly work includes research into the dependent care patterns of elders and the resulting strains on family members.  She has written numerous articles and published her findings.  She has presented her work regionally and earned a best of section award at a recent National Council on Family Relations conference. 

While her research work is important, it is her direct contact with students that she enjoys the most.  Whether it is teaching an introductory sociology course, advising a senior on a concurrency project, working with graduate students or talking to prospective students, Dr. Shafer stresses the importance of self-development and exploration.  She believes it is through a better understanding of ourselves that we best contribute the most to society. 

Dr. Shafer brings nearly ten years of corporate experience to her classroom having served in numerous positions within the nonprofit sector and the insurance industry prior to joining Tiffin University.  She also prides herself on understanding multiple aspects of higher education.  Prior to her faculty position, Dr. Shafer served as an admissions officer, financial aid counselor, public relations director, department liaison and off-campus program director either at TU or other universities. 

Dr. Shafer is married and the mother of two, a 15 year-old daughter Caroline, and an 12 year-old son Samuel.  Her husband, Mark, is a research chemist.  They reside on a family farm near New Washington, Ohio.  Her community involvements include various activities within the Buckeye Central School District and the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Chatfield, Ohio.