Student Affairs History

In 1936-37, President Swope, "as one of his first administrative acts created a Personnel Department with Mr. Clarence McKelvie as director. This action started in July now brought together all student testing, advisory systems, student employment, and loans. Thus under "Mac's" leadership, the foundation was laid for one of the finest operating systems of Student Personnel Services in the Commonwealth. The plans, policies, and procedures established at this time attest to their soundness in that today the college still uses the same basic structure in the Student Affairs Division. McKelvie was a "giant" in his day" (Centennial History of West Chester State College, 1971).

President Swope passed away unexpectedly in 1958 (Centennial History of West Chester State College, 1971). His death led to external reviews which examined, among other things, the university's organizational structure. In April 1960, three divisions were created: Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and General Administration. Dr. Jack Owens was appointed the Dean of Student Affairs and Dr. Earl Sykes was appointed the Dean of Academic Affairs (Board of Trustees meeting minutes, April 1960).

Dr. Owens' first charge was to finalize a Student Affairs organizational chart (Student Affairs Division: Its Current Problems – Concerns of its Professional Staff report, April 1967). In the early part of June 1960, the office of the Dean of Student Affairs was created and filled (Report of Organization and Space Utilization Survey prepared by the Bureau of Program and Management, Office of Administration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania). In April 1967, Dr. Owens wrote a report entitled the Student Affairs Division: Its Current Problems – Concerns of its Professional Staff. In the report, he recounts the creation of the Student Affairs Division and mentions that the following programs and services (which already existed at the university) would be moved under the Division of Student Affairs: (1) men’s housing, government, and related activities (2) women’s housing, government, and related activities (3) student government, class and extra-curricular activities (4) athletics for men and women, intramurals for men and women, and an all-college recreational program, and (5) medical services and student insurance program.

In 2001, members of the Division created a Decennial Report for Middle States. Fifteen departments are mentioned in the report, along with 86 full-time and 16 part-time staff, 13 faculty, 11 graduate assistants, and 300-400 student employees. The Division at the time was led by the Vice President for Student Affairs, an Associate Vice President, an Assistant Vice President, and a Dean of Students. At that time, the division also included a department entitled the Children’s Center, which was later closed. The report goes on to include a copy of the Division’s strategic plan, organizational chart, mission statement, values, social equity agenda, student learning outcomes, service creed, and status reports related to each department’s program review, evolution and next steps for advancing their work.

From 2019-2021, the division adjusted for the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the division completed a self-study report based on the Council for the Advancement for Standards in Higher Education. Faculty, staff, students and divisional partners participated in a virtual external review site visit. At that time, there were approximately 180 faculty and staff across 19 departments in division.

In 2022, a university re-organization occurred and six departments transitioned to other divisions (Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact, Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy, Center for Women and Gender Equity, Dowdy Multicultural Center, New Student Programs, and Twardowski Career Development Center). In July 2024, Dr. Laurie Bernotsky became President of WCU and the Athletics Department moved under the Division of University Affairs.

Over the years, the division has had several leaders:

Dr. Jack Owens, Dean of Student Affairs (started in April 1960)
Mrs. Eleanor Taylor, Acting Dean of Student Affairs
Dr. Louis F. Weislogel, Vice President for Admissions and Student Affairs
Dr. Thomas W. Spierling, Acting Vice President of Student Affairs
Dr. Rodger Summers, Vice President of Student Affairs
Dr. Matthew Bricketto, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs
Dr. Paul Oliaro, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Matthew Bricketto, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs
Dr. Matthew Bricketto, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Sara Hinkle, Acting Vice President for Student Affairs (2016)
Dr. Zebulun R. Davenport, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs (2016)
Dr. Zebulun R. Davenport, Vice President for Student Affairs (2017-2022)
Dr. Tabetha Adkins, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs (2022-2024)
Dr. Jasmine Buxton, Vice President for Student Affairs (2024-present)