Division of Student Affairs adds associate vice president

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When Virginia Speight assumes the position of associate vice president for student affairs April 1, it won’t be an entirely new hat to wear.

“Because I’ll continue to serve as director of residence life, I’ll be able to keep drawing on the wealth of valuable experiences as I take on the more comprehensive duties of associate vice president,” she said.

“Working with the thousands of students as well as the many resident advisers who have lived in the residence halls was an amazing foundation for me professionally. They probably taught me more than I taught them.”

As associate vice president, Speight will be able to apply that experience to all the departments and programs under the Student Affairs umbrella, working with directors, managers and the dean of students to identify current needs, anticipate developing trends, and keep the far-ranging division nimble.

“This new position is a natural progression for Virginia,” noted Dr. Kaye Patten Wallace, senior vice president for the student experience. “She already has a deep understanding of our resident students’ needs that has made her a vital member of the Student Affairs team.

“Now we’ll be relying on her to build on that understanding as she works closely with our other areas.”

Speight will continue to report to Patten Wallace as she takes on her new responsibilities. She anticipates opportunities, she said, to work more comprehensively with staff and students across the division.

Speight added, “It’s typical to say you’re excited about a new position, but it’s so true for me because as associate vice president I expect to be able to reach many more people.”