DePauw appoints new student affairs officer

John Mark Day, who describes himself as “a strong advocate for a world where everyone belongs,” will join DePauw University on August 1 as the new vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

Day comes from Oklahoma State University, where he served as director of leadership and campus life for seven years, overseeing student engagement initiatives such as fraternity and sorority life, student activities and student engagement. Association of Student Government. He also oversaw orientation, international students and scholars, career development, and basic student needs.

He previously worked for 12 years at Texas Christian University, where he held several positions culminating in Director of Freshman Experience, and advised the TCU chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, of which he is a member.

He is involved in the leadership of several nonprofit and professional organizations, including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, for which he helped lead the association’s return to in-person conferences in 2022.

Day holds a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University. He holds two master’s degrees, one in media and communication with a specialization in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and the other in journalism from TCU. His undergraduate degree, also from TCU, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, is in religion and editorial journalism.

“Dr. Day brings to DePauw significant experience gained over many years of working directly with students and at institutions where student life is highly engaging,” said President Lori White. me, as a veteran of many years in the field of student affairs, and it is extremely important to our university.I have been impressed with Dr. Day’s leadership in his various student affairs roles, in which he has worked with colleagues to create a compelling vision of student life and to ensure the participation and success of all students.

Although his previous positions have been at universities much larger than DePauw, “these are all places that have been and continue to be so special and meaningful in the lives of their students and in the lives of their families,” said declared Day. “And so even though the context is different, the size is different, that core value is the same. I am thrilled, due to DePauw’s small residential community, to have the opportunity to build even closer relationships with students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

He said he was aware that before coming to DePauw, White spent most of her career in student affairs, and so he expects her to have “high expectations for what we do in student affairs because she knows the crucial role of students. business on campus. I look forward to the opportunity to help DePauw improve the exemplary student experience articulated in the new strategic plan.