It was announced on January 21st, via an email to UMD students, that the search for a new vice president for student affairs and dean of students had begun. Described as a national search by University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel, the process will result in a new individual who will collaborate with the vice chancellors of student affairs on the Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and Crookston campuses.

There is a nomination process for the position, which will coincide with the efforts of a search committee featuring the likes of Vice President for Equity and Diversity Michael Goh and College of Education and Human Development Dean Jean Quam.

Nominations must be sent to Angie Pesch, office manager at the University of Minnesota’s Office of the President, by January 31st.

Gabel further explained the current situation with the vice president of student affairs position in her email to students and faculty.

“In early February, I plan to announce the committee and launch recruiting efforts,” Gabel explained. “We aim to bring finalists to campus for public interviews before the end of spring semester. Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Maggie Towle has informed me that she does not intend to be a candidate, but is committed to serving in the role until a new leader is in place.”

UMD’s Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students Lisa Erwin noted that the entire network of Student Affairs/Life focuses on both macro and micro-level challenges. Macro challenges include retention, graduation rates, and affordability, while micro-challenges include health, sexual misconduct, campus climate.

Erwin added that the student affairs network is a close one that is constantly working together.

“The vice provost and vice chancellors collaboratively strive to develop approaches,” Erwin explained. “[We develop] strategies to support student well-being and success and to ensure operational excellence for the system."

Erwin looks forward to a new chapter of collaboration and approves of recent changes that will make their work easily heard and seen by the highest levels of the U of M administration.

“I'm excited to see that the position will now report to President Gabel,” Erwin continued, “ensuring that the work we do across the system in student affairs will be part of senior-level discussions and decision making.”

Erwin is hopeful that changes in the format and the nomination of a strong candidate will lead to quality work for all involved.

“My hopes are two-fold,” Erwin explained. “First, I hope for a new UMNTC colleague who will center students in their work, and second, I hope that the new Vice President will continue VP Towle's efforts to partner and collaborate across the system.”

At a time when conversations between students and the University of Minnesota system are so key, the roles of those placed as conduits for that conversation are key.