Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students - Michigan State University

Learn more about Student Affairs at MSU: https://studentaffairs.msu.edu/

Provide visionary leadership for programs and services that advance student engagement, advocacy, care, and accountability.
• Partner with the Vice President for Student Affairs to shape divisional strategy and align priorities with university-wide goals.
• Serve as a visible and accessible advocate for students, addressing concerns and ensuring equitable, student-centered policies and practices.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies that enhance student learning, well-being, personal responsibility, and community standards.
• Apply evidence-based practices and student development theory to strengthen programs and identify innovative approaches to student support.
• Serve as the institutional decision-maker for student and registered student organization conduct outcomes related to interim suspensions, suspensions, and dismissals.
• Represent Student Affairs on university committees, task forces, and external engagements.

• Provide executive oversight for a broad portfolio of units, including:
  • Office of the Dean of Students
  • Center for Community Engaged Learning
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Impact 89FM
  • MSU Union and Alumni Memorial Chapel
  • Community and Student Relations
  • Office of Spartan Experiences (Fall/Spring Welcome; RSO Management)
  • Office of Student Support and Accountability (Conduct, CARE, Crisis Response)
  • University Activities Board
• Lead, mentor, and develop a large and diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning across multiple functional areas.
• Align unit-level priorities and learning outcomes with divisional and institutional strategy.
• Partner with Advancement and other stakeholders to pursue external funding and philanthropic support.

• Provide senior leadership during critical and complex student crises, including behavioral concerns, mental health emergencies, campus disruptions, and safety-related incidents.
• Serve as a key institutional advisor and decision-maker during crises, ensuring coordinated and trauma-informed responses.
• Lead cross-divisional crisis response efforts in collaboration with MSU Police and Public Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Residential and Hospitality Services, the Office of the Provost, General Counsel, and University Communications.
• Provide consultation and support to students, families, faculty, and staff during and after crisis situations, including after-hours responsibilities.
• Analyze trends and data related to student crises to inform prevention strategies, policy development, and resource allocation.
• Support post-crisis recovery efforts to strengthen institutional preparedness and student support systems.

• Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs or a closely related area within higher education.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating institutional responses to student-related crises and critical incidents.
• Significant experience overseeing comprehensive student services, including student conduct, expressive activities, and student and family support programs.
• Strong understanding of institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and applicable laws impacting student affairs.
• Proven ability to advance student success, well-being, and community standards through impactful programs and services.
• Extensive experience leading large teams, managing complex budgets, and overseeing multifaceted operations.
• Exceptional communication, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with academic partners and senior university leadership.

• Doctorate or terminal degree in a related field.
• Experience in a large, research-intensive university environment.
• Knowledge of student conduct processes, CARE/BIT models, threat assessment protocols, and risk management.
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams through mentoring and feedback.
• Experience overseeing large student-serving facilities such as unions or student services buildings.
• Prior experience serving as a Dean of Students, Associate/Assistant Vice President, or comparable executive leader.

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