Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students

At Western Connecticut State University, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are foundational to who we are and how we lead. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, WestConn embraces both the honor and responsibility of expanding access, advancing opportunity, and delivering student success through equity in practice, not just in principle.

WestConn invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for its Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the President, the AVP & Dean of Students serves as a senior leader who helps shape the student experience from transition to graduation through integrated oversight of student life, support, wellbeing, and engagement. They also serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the President’s Council. This role leads key functions that support students’ success and sense of belonging, partnering closely with academic leadership and other senior leaders to align orientation, mentoring, housing, wellness, conduct, and involvement into a coherent ecosystem of support. This position supervises Professional and Support staff.

Portfolio of Responsibility

• Housing & Residence Life (with functional partnership with the VP for Operations/COO on housing facilities)
• Dean of Students Office, including student support/case management, behavioral intervention, and Judicial Affairs
• Center for Student Involvement, including student activities, leadership development, and campus traditions
• Student Wellness, including Alcohol & Substance Abuse Programs, Counseling Services, Health Services, and Wellness Education & Prevention
• Center for Intercultural Affairs, including Intercultural Affairs and Campus Ministry (with functional partnership with the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer)
• Recreation and Club Sports
• First-Year Programming, New Student Orientation, and student transition initiatives
• Mentoring and connected-student engagement strategies

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Detailed duties listed in 11 categories including Strategic Student Experience Leadership, Student Support, Care, and Behavioral Intervention, etc.)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field...
• Progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs...

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)...
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience...

Salary & Benefits

The hiring salary range is $140,721 - $175,901 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. WCSU offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Application Process

Prospective candidates must submit a cover letter, which includes the names and contact information for three (3) professional references and a resume. All materials should be submitted as PDF files. To apply, submit your materials to: Apply Now

Questions may be directed to hrpositions@wcsu.edu referencing Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students in the subject line. Review of applications will begin Tuesday April 21, 2026 and will continue until position has been filled.