Dean of students finalists schedule visits

The third of four finalists for the dean of students position will visit with students and others on campus this week, UW–Madison officials say.

Two other finalists previously visited UW–Madison. During the visit, each finalist has given a short presentation on current issues in student affairs and student life, followed by a question-and-answer period.

Jane DeGidio, director, Office of Student Retention Programs, University of Oregon, will appear 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Memorial Union (check Today in the Union for room location).

DeGidio has held several student services positions at Oregon since 1969, including four years as dean of students before moving into her current position.

The fourth finalist, Richard Johnson, assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs, University of Missouri-Columbia, will visit April 19-20. Forum details are being finalized.

Johnson has worked as director of the department of student life at Missouri, and before that was assistant to the vice president for student affairs and director of the office of multicultural affairs at the University of Vermont.

The other finalists are Lisa C. Buenaventura, interim associate dean of student support services at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., and Alicia Fedelina Chávez, assistant professor in the department of educational leadership at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

A 15-member search and screen committee conducted a national search and recommended the finalists to Chancellor David Ward and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Paul Barrows. Committee membership was divided equally between faculty, academic staff and students.

The dean of students plays a leadership role in fostering and maintaining a multicultural and diverse institution that addresses the concerns of students of all backgrounds.

While on campus, the finalists will be interviewed by administrators, faculty, staff and students. A final decision is expected by the end of the spring semester. For more information about the finalists’ background, and how to participate in the selection process for this key position in Student Affairs, visit: http://www.wisc.edu/students/finalist.htm