University News
VPSS Interviews Scheduled
May 4, 2021
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Three candidates for the Western Illinois University vice president for student success (VPSS; formerly called student services) position May 7, May 10 and May 18.
Candidates include David Braverman, interim director of care and well-being, California Institute of the Arts, May 7; W. Christopher Cole, director of auxiliary operations and student services, Slippery Rock (PA) University, May 10; and Gayle Spencer, director of the Illinois Leadership Center, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, May 18.
Open sessions will be held via Zoom with each candidate from 3-3:30 p.m. May 7 (bit.ly/WIUBravermanOpenSession), May 10 (bit.ly/WIUColeOpen) and May 18 (bit.ly/WIUSpencerOpen). Individuals interested in participating in the open sessions must register in advance.
Braverman has served as the interim director of care and well-being at California Institute of the Arts since 2021. Previously, he was the interim vice president for student and campus life at State University of New York-Geneseo from 2019-2020. Braverman has also served as the interim director of student conduct and special projects for student affairs at Central Connecticut State University (2018-2019); the interim executive assistant vice president for student affairs at University of Hartford (CT) (2018); interim dean of students at Community College of Philadelphia (2017-2018 and 2014); and interim associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students at California State University Dominguez Hills (2015-2017). He has served as a presidential fellow at Black Hills State University (2015); vice presidents for student affairs and dean of students at Springfield (MA) College (2005-2014); dean of students at Texas A & M (2002-2005); associate vice president for student affairs at California State-Sacramento (1998-2002); dean of students at Culver-Stockton University (1995-1998); assistant dean of Richmond College, University of Richmond (VA) (1990-1995); and assistant director of residence life at Cornell College (1988-1990).
Braverman received his Ph.D. and master's degree from the University of Iowa and his bachelor's degree from University of Missouri.
Cole has served as director of auxiliary operations and student services at Slippery Rock since 2019. Previously, he was the director of auxiliary operations and academic and student affairs at Slippery Rock from 2018-2019. Cole has also served in in numerous student life positions at Slippery Rock, including director of the Robert M. Smith Student Center (2012-2014), director of the university union (2007-2012), director of the university union and Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (2005-2007), director of student organizations and leadership (2003-2005), assistant director of student life (2002-2003), coordinator of student development (1998-2002), coordinator of student standards and Greek affairs (1995-1998) and coordinator of student standards and interfraternity council (1993-1995). He has also served as the associate director (1989-1993) and judicial counselor (1987-1989) at the Illinois State University Student Judicial Office.
Cole received his Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, his master's degree from University of Tennessee and his bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary.
Spencer has served as the director of the Illinois Leadership Center at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign since 2013. Previously, she served in numerous student life positions at Kansas State University, including associate dean of student life (2009-2013), director of student activities and services (2009-2012), assistant dean of student life (2004-2009) and coordinator of student activities/services (1997-2010). Spencer has also served as interim manager of programs for the K-State Student Union (1999-2003); as the assistant director of student activities and programming at University of Notre Dame (1991-1997); and campus activities advisor at the University of Houston (1987-1991).
Spencer received her Ph.D. from Kansas State, her master's degree from WIU and bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
The vice president for student success (VPSS) reports to the president and presents student concerns and issues to the Board of Trustees, the president, and other vice presidents. They work closely with the president's staff and are the main resource on matters related to student activity fees. The VPSS provides direction and leadership for the delivery of student services in the areas of admissions, athletics, health center, campus recreation, career services, cultural centers, disability resources, financial aid, transit, student activities, student development and success, judicial programs, counseling center, golf course, housing and dining services, and university union. The VPSS represents the president on various student service concerns within and outside the University and is expected to demonstrate community involvement and serve as the chief spokesperson on student services to various boards, agencies, organizations, constituencies and publics. In addition, they are responsible for representing administrative viewpoints and positions to students in general and specifically to major student organizations. They are responsible for budget planning, preparation, implementation, review and reporting in the area of student services, as well as long-range planning, resource procurement, resource allocation and resource management in student success. The VPSS is responsible for the overall supervision and administration of personnel in student services, student services program development and administration of provisions of the Code of Student Conduct. The VPSS also has the opportunity to teach in the College Student Personnel program and hold adjunct faculty rank, based on qualifications.
Complete candidate interview schedules and vitas are available at wiu.edu/employment.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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