Shawna Cooper-Gibson, joined Boston College’s as the Vice President for Student Affairs in August 2021. Prior to that, she served as Seton Hall’s Vice President of Student Services where she was a member of the Executive Cabinet and provided leadership and guidance to facilitate decision making in all matters related to student welfare. Shawna managed a wide array of student support and academic programs including the Academic Resource Center, Career Center, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Freshman Studies, Health Services, Housing and Residence Life, and Public Safety and Security. She was chair of the Council for Student Success and the co-chair of the University Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Health Intervention and Communication Team. 

Previous to that Shawna served as the Assistant Provost at Loyola University Chicago. She also served as the Dean of Students of the School of Social Services Administration at the University of Chicago, Director of African American Student Affairs at Northwestern University, Assistant Director of the Student Activities Office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Assistant Dean of the School of Communication at Loyola University Chicago. 

Shawna earned a doctoral degree of education from Boston University, master of education degree from National Louis University and bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois.

Harold O. Fields, EdD, joined Canisius College in 2022 as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Fields was most recently director of Residence Life at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he has served in various roles since 2008. As the leader of the Division of Student Affairs, Fields will be responsible for divisional strategic planning and assessment efforts and for overall operations in areas of: the ALANA Student Center; Campus Ministry; the Counseling Center; international student programs; new student orientation; public safety; the Office of Student Life (residence life, judicial affairs, student engagement and clubs, leadership development, event services, intermural sports, and athletic facilities operations), Title IX coordinator and the Student Health Center. The vice president for student affairs also is jointly responsible (with the vice president for academic affairs) for the overall operations of the Griff Center for Student Success (career services, tutoring services, veterans’ services, accessibility support services, parent programs) and the Office of Study Abroad and International Partnerships. Fields holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a doctor of education degree in higher education administration from the University of Rochester.

As Vice President of Student Affairs I provide leadership for integrating students’ intellectual, spiritual, and emotional development, ensuring a vibrant campus life, promoting students' health and well-being, and delivering excellent services and programs for all students.

Given the shifting landscape of higher education, I work with my team to focus on high-value innovations in the student experience that correspond to the changing needs of students. 

My work centers around meaning-making and helping students gain the tools to lead their own extraordinary life. I am co-author of two books, Helping College Students Find Purpose: The Campus Guide to Meaning Making and Teaching College Students Communication Strategies for Effective Social Justice Advocacy, and numerous articles.

In an effort to maintain a healthy home life, I accept a limited number of invitations to speak, present, and consult each year.

I've enjoyed the opportunity to serve on several boards, including the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators and NASPA’s Center for Women. I live in MA with my husband and daughter and our dog and three cats.

Tanya A. Winegard, PhD, is the vice provost for student life at Creighton University. In her role, she oversees Residential Life, Student Health Services, Student Counseling Services, Student Development, Campus Recreation and Wellness, Student Leadership and Involvement Center, Creighton Intercultural Center, Housing and Auxiliary Services, the Skutt Student Center, Centralized Reservations, and University Dining. 

Winegard first came to Creighton in 1997 as the student activities coordinator and assumed progressively greater leadership roles. After working for 15 years in student life, she was chosen to serve as the associate vice president for equity and inclusion in June 2012.

She received her doctorate in higher education administration and leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2010. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Iowa in student development in post-secondary education and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in political science and psychology.

Winegard has received much recognition for her commitment to higher education including the Mary Lucretia and Sarah Emily Creighton Award, Creighton’s St. Ignatius Award, and Creighton’s Rev. Thomas J. Lukaszewicz, S.J. Award. She is also a member of the Jesuit Honors Society, Alpha Sigma Nu.

Karen Donoghue was named Vice President for Student Life of Fairfield University in 2018. She oversees student engagement, recreation, student diversity, student conduct, and restorative mentoring. Donoghue is well known for her unique ability to combine individual care with a strategically sound execution of policy. Her singular efforts in promoting awareness around sexual assault and domestic violence have garnered recognition and praise from educational leaders and political representatives alike, and have made our campus a safer, more knowledgeable and respectful community. In addition to having oversight of many key living and learning areas, including but not limited to residential living, orientation and student programs, she is also a mentor to students, and was recognized by the Class of 2015 with the Manor Yearbook dedication. Prior to coming to Fairfield, Donoghue held an administrative position at Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. She received her BS from Fairfield University and her MA from Rider University.

Fordham

Daugherty previously served as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Connecticut (UConn). In that role, she oversaw departments responsible for residential life, student conduct, student health and mental well-being services. Prior to her time at UConn, Daugherty served in a variety of student life, alumni affairs and admissions roles at the University of Chicago, Columbia University and the University of Michigan. She holds Doctor and Master of Education degrees from Columbia University and a bachelor’s from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Kent Porterfield was appointed Vice Provost for Student Affairs in July, 2020. He is responsible for overseeing the Student Affairs Division and promotes an educational experience that emphasizes the development of the whole student – intellectual, spiritual, cultural, physical, and emotional.

Kent’s career in higher education spans three decades, including nearly 23 years as a senior student affairs officer. In his previous role, Dr. Porterfield served as Vice President for Student Development at Saint Louis University, a Jesuit Catholic research university in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to that he served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Northwest Missouri State University. Kent is a national leader in the student affairs field, having served as President of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) in 2014-2015. He is also a past President of the Missouri College Personnel Association. Kent is a recipient of ACPA’s Annuit Coeptis Senior Professional Award, Diamond Honoree recognition for outstanding contributions in the field of student affairs, and the Outstanding State Division President Award.

Kent’s professional presentations and publications have engaged a range of student affairs topics including leadership; diversity, equity and inclusion; rethinking student affairs practice; student learning; retention and student success. In his career, he has overseen many areas of student life, including athletics, campus ministry, campus recreation, cross-cultural center, career services, dean of students office, health and counseling services, housing and residence life, international services, multicultural affairs, service and community engagement, disability services, student union/center, student academic success, student conduct, student involvement, parent and family programs, and auxiliary services.

Sherri joined the division of Student Affairs at John Carroll University as the Dean of Students in 2004. She has more than 20 years of experience in Student Affairs working at both private and public institutions around the country. Sherri moved to Ohio in 2004 after spending the previous 10 years in Minnesota and appreciates the warmer winters!

After receiving a B.S. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Sherri attended Penn State University and earned a master’s degree in counseling. Sherri completed her Ph.D. in 2001 from the University of Minnesota and focused her research on better understanding the experiences for African-American students who attend predominantly white institutions.

Shaun Crisler’s goal is to help create positive living and learning experiences for all students. By working with faculty, campus partners and staff, Crisler looks for opportunities to collaborate, with a focus on student success and retention towards graduation. “I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as the associate provost for student development and to be of service to the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Le Moyne College. I believe that the next evolution of student development will call for us to find new ways to support the holistic development of students. I am looking forward to working with the students, the talented staff within student development, the faculty and the senior leadership team.”

Kawanna Leggett, Ed.D., senior vice president for Student Affairs, is an accomplished, justice-oriented student development leader whose background as a student advocate resonates with LMU’s Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount mission to elevate the LMU student experience and inspire the community. She oversees Campus Recreation and Student Facilities, Ethnic and Intercultural Services, LMU CARES, Off Campus Student Life, the Office for International Students and Scholars, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Responsibility, the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action, Recovery, Student Employment Services, Student Health Services, Student Housing, Student Leadership and Development, Student Psychological Services, and Student Success.

She is the former associate vice chancellor of Student Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, where she oversaw Residential Life and Housing, Conference Services, Student Transitions and Family Programs, and the Faculty Fellows in Residence Program. She was responsible for a budget of $54 million, housing for 5,300 students, and management of 41 central staff employees, 70 housekeepers, and over 150 student staff. Prior to that, she served as interim associate vice chancellor for Student Transition and Engagement and dean of students, where her portfolio included Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Involvement, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and the First Year Center, among others. While SVP Leggett’s background within student affairs is comprehensive, her credentials also reveal her commitments to collaborating with academic colleagues as part of an integrated approach to delivering the student experience.

Before joining WashU, SVP Leggett served as the director of Residential Education at UC Berkeley, where she led the development of strategy, goals, and objectives for residential education through inclusive and diverse student residence programming and operations. Forging robust relationships, SVP Leggett successfully collaborated to enhance a range of initiatives, which included improving their living-learning communities, advancing theme housing programs, addressing housing occupancy growth, and improving emergency operations response. At New York University, SVP Leggett was instrumental in caring for student residents by handling sensitive issues related to alcohol and drug use, campus climate, and mental health crises. Working closely with the NYU Global Affairs team, she helped support the student life experiences of NYU Shanghai and NYU DC. SVP Leggett was recognized with the NYU Give a Violet Award for going above and beyond the scope of her position and demonstrating exceptional performance of everyday responsibilities.

SVP Leggett earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, her master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Clemson University in South Carolina. SVP Leggett embraces collaboration with student development colleagues through her service in regional and national professional organizations. She has also presented on a variety of topics ranging from the first-year student experience to crisis management. In a volunteer capacity, SVP Leggett has a wide range of association work. In January 2019, she began a three-year term to the executive board of the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I), as the workforce development director. Outside of her professional pursuits, SVP Leggett enjoys music, professional and collegiate sports, running, traveling, spending time with family, and coaching youth track.

Dr. Keith Michael Champagne plays a critical role in transforming the “One Loyola” vision into practice, challenging others to transcend traditional school and college-based approaches, and thinking creatively about fully integrating academics, and student life. He ensures that core services are equitably provided across geography and student educational level.

Dr. Champagne has over 25 years of expertise and experience working in student affairs, student success, enrollment management, diversity, public relations, academic and student life, and intercollegiate athletics. Prior to his current position, he served as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Athletics at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

Dr. Champagne is a graduate of the prestigious Sports Management Institute, and he is a member of the Sports Lawyers Association. He completed the NASPA Richard Stevens Institute, and the NACDA-NCAA-Sports Management Institute.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Public Relations from Loyola University New Orleans, a Master of Science degree in Communications and Media Management from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington.

Deborah Cady Melzer, Ph.D., joined Loyola in July 2022 after serving at Assumption University as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Prior to Assumption, Dr. Cady Melzer worked in a variety of student affairs roles including in residential life, new student programs, community standards, Title IX, campus ministry, and student activities. She has worked in other Jesuit education settings including at Le Moyne College, Fairfield University, and Boston College. Dr. Cady Melzer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Michael’s College, a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Boston College.

Dr. Alicia A. Bourque began her tenure as a staff counselor at the University Counseling Center at Loyola University New Orleans in August, 2005, two weeks before Hurricane Katrina made landfall. She returned to Loyola when the university resumed operations in October, 2005 and was named Director for the University Counseling Center in 2006. Since 2007, she has ably served as Director for Counseling and Health Services, leading the University Counseling Center and the Student Health Center at Loyola. In July, 2018, she was appointed the new Interim Executive Director of Student Affairs, replacing Dr. M. L. “Cissy” Petty.

A licensed psychologist, Dr. Bourque holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi, completing her pre-doctoral internship at Texas Tech University, and a post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Alliant International University. She has taught at the graduate and undergraduate level in courses ranging from introductory psychology to psychotherapy practice. In spring 2016, she presented at the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) annual convention in Montreal, Canada regarding higher education administration.

Dr. Bourque serves on a number of university committees including the NASPA Culture of Respect initiative, JED Campus Program, Behavioral Intervention Team, and Threat Assessment Team. She attended the four-day Advanced Threat Assessment Academy at the Gavin DeBecker Institute in Lake Arrowhead, California in spring 2017. Her community engagements include serving with the ARC of Greater New Orleans, Second Harvest, and the St. Barnard Project. She has been a member of Holy Name of Jesus Church since she arrived in New Orleans in 2005.

Dr. Bourque is known for her dedication to a high level of customer service in student life and cura personalis or development of the whole person. Her commitment to excellence earned her the 2010 Coadjutor Optimus Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the university.

Dr. Xavier A. Cole began his tenure at Marquette in 2016 as the vice president for student affairs. The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is grounded in the Ignatian understanding of the dignity and value of each person, fostering the holistic growth of students by providing them opportunities to learn and practice skills, grow in competency, and develop as leaders in service to others.

Prior to Marquette, Cole served as vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Washington College, a small liberal arts institution in Chestertown, Md. Before Washington College, Cole served the Division of Student Development at Loyola University Maryland for 20 years in roles of increasing responsibility, leaving in 2014 as assistant vice president.

A native Mississippian, Cole earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Mississippi; his master’s in history from Miami University (Ohio); and his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania. Cole’s dissertation research focused on mission and identity programs at three Jesuit universities and their impact on mission leadership for laypersons. 

Cole is married to historian Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole and is the proud dog-father of a feisty cairn terrier named Mingus.

Dr. Wilcots joined the Regis community in 2017 after serving as associate dean of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division, Dean of the DU-Iliff Joint Doctoral Program in the Study of Religion, and associate provost for Graduate Studies at the University of Denver. She holds a Ph.D. in English from DU, an MA in English from Texas Woman’s University, and an MA in Public Relations and a BA in Journalism from Drake University. Her areas of scholarship are 20th Century American literature and literature of the African Diaspora with a special focus on African-American and Caribbean literatures. With a commitment to inclusive excellence, she has engaged in leadership and diversity training as a participant, invited speaker and trainer in workshops and conferences across the United States as well as in the Caribbean, South Africa and Bologna, Italy.

"I sought professional opportunities at Regis because I wanted to serve in a faith-based institution committed to social justice and dedicated to developing in students the tools and determination to make a positive difference in the world. Having held leadership positions in academic affairs, serving graduate, professional, and undergraduate students, my current role as vice president of Student Affairs allows me support the academic and civic formation of all students at Regis. An integral aspect of civic formation is encouraging students not only to confront the social justice issues of our times but also to challenge their own perceptions—to seek the magis, to become the truest version of their best selves and to serve others for the greater good of the world in which we live."

Since February 15, 2021, Dr. Cunningham has served as SLU's Vice President of Student Development. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life Strategy and Policy at Johns Hopkins University. In this role, she was responsible for managing and leading university wide initiatives that support student success across the university, specifically student health and well-being, crisis response and student retention.

Sarah has contributed to the field of student affairs for over 15 years. Before arriving at Johns Hopkins, she worked at the University of the Chicago as the Executive Director for Student Leadership, Involvement and Student Life Centers and Assistant Dean of Students in the University. Prior to UChicago, she served also worked at the University of Florida, George Mason University and at Slippery Rock University.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Combined Social Studies from Youngstown State University, a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Western Illinois University, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University. Her dissertation research looked at the lived experiences of student leaders at public universities who held a vote on their institutions board of trustees. Sarah enjoys taking in college sporting events, taking hikes with her rescue dog Bailey, traveling and the theater.

Jeanne Rosenberger serves as the University's Chief Student Affairs Officer, providing leadership and direction to the Center for Student Leadership, Career Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Services, Residence Life, Office for Multicultural Learning, the Office of Student Life, New Student Programs and Parent and Family Programs.

Together with her staff, Vice Provost Rosenberger provides leadership in developing innovative co-curricular programs and student support services that respond to student needs and campus issues related to student life outside the classroom. As a primary advocate for student participation in the life of the University, she cultivates open dialogue opportunities that help shape institutional decision-making and ensure inclusion of student voices.

Prior to her appointment as Vice Provost, she served as the University's Dean of Students, Director of the Center for Student Leadership, and Associate Director of the Benson Center and Student Activities. Before coming to Santa Clara in 1991, she worked in Campus Life at California State University Northridge. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Gonzaga University and a Master of Arts at Bowling Green State University

Dr. Alvin Sturdivant is the Vice Provost for Student Development at Seattle University.  In this role he serves as a member of the senior leadership team and provides visionary and administrative leadership for a number of key departments towards fostering student success and an integrated learning experience.  Prior to joining Seattle University, Dr. Sturdivant was the Director of Housing and Residence Life at Saint Louis University  in St. Louis, MO. Prior to joining the Division of Student Development at Saint Louis University, he served as the Associate Director of Residential Life at the University of Vermont  where he was also an adjunct faculty member in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program and an instructor at the Community College of Vermont .   Dr. Sturdivant received his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of Vermont  and his Masters of Education and Bachelors of Art in Psychology at North Carolina State University .  His scholarly and professional interests include examining the effects of oppression and discriminatory practices in college communities, exploring the experiences of students of color in higher education, examining campus climate in the context of bias related acts and behaviors, and exploring the experiences of African American men in higher education.  

Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., is the Vice President for Student Life and the Dean of Students.

She joined the University in 2009 as the Director of Student Conduct and Assessment. In 2015, she was named Associate Vice Provost for Student Formation and Campus Life and Dean of Students, a role that allowed her to focus her efforts on student advocacy and support while working with colleagues to foster a vibrant and transformative learning experience for our students.

In 2018, she was named Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, providing oversight for the Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW), the Center for Student Engagement, the Cultural Centers (Jane Kopas Women's Center and Multicultural Center), the Dean of Students Office, and the Office of Residence Life. She has championed our Resilient Royals and other innovative programming initiatives. She also serves as moderator for Student Government.

Previously, Lauren worked in the Office of Judicial Affairs at The Pennsylvania State University, where she earned both a Juris Doctorate and Master of Education. She graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and religion.

Dave Johnson assumed his role of Associate Provost and Chief Student Affairs Officer at Xavier University on July 1, 2012.  During his time at Xavier, Dave has also served as the Executive Director for the Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice (2010-2011) and as the Director for Peace and Justice Programs (2007-2010).  

Prior to Xavier, Dave worked five years for the SHARE Foundation, a non-governmental organization that promotes economic development in El Salvador, worked at St. John’s University in Minnesota, served as a teacher in Belize and biked from the southernmost tip of Argentina to Minnesota.  Dave has his Ph.D. in Higher Education from Miami University in Oxford, OH; his research focused on leadership practices and institutional change that promotes student success.  Dave received his master’s degree in theology with a concentration in social ethics from Boston College and has a Bachelor’s degree in Peace Studies from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN.  

As the Associate Provost and Chief Student Affairs Officer, Dave oversees 12 functional areas, 58 staff members and over 170 student workers.  The division generates over $17 million in annual revenue and manages over 1.4 million square feet of facilities.  Student Affairs supports students’ social integration into the University community; our mission is to facilitate and promote leadership development, wellness, identity development, and a commitment to spirituality and social justice.