The University of Toledo Division of Student Affairs is transitioning through a leadership change.
Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, will serve as interim vice president of student affairs effective June 1. Dr. Kaye M. Patten will retire in June.
Cockrell
“For 11 years Dr. Kaye Patten has provided strong leadership for the Division of Student Affairs,” UT President Sharon L. Gaber said. “On behalf of our UT community, I thank her for all she has done and wish her the best upon her well-deserved retirement.”
A retirement reception for Patten will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, in the UT Driscoll Alumni Center Schmakel Room.
“Dr. Phillip ‘Flapp’ Cockrell has proven himself to be a strong leader with a commitment to student success, and I appreciate his willingness to step into the role of interim vice president to continue the progress being made in the Division of Student Affairs and to fulfill the University’s mission for a student-centered environment,” Gaber said.
“I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to working with the administration and faculty in looking for ways to enhance student success as it relates to the student experience at the University,” Cockrell said.
The offices and departments that make up the Division of Student Affairs include the Office of the Dean of Students; Office of Residence Life; University Counseling Center; Office of Multicultural Student Success; Office of Recreation; Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards; Office of Student Involvement and Leadership; Office of Student Advocacy and Support; Toledo Excel; and Upward Bound.
Cockrell joined UT as associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students in April 2016. Cockrell has several years of experience working in student affairs at various universities. Most recently, he served three years as associate vice provost for student affairs and dean of students at Jackson State University in Mississippi.
His prior student affairs experience also includes work in various positions at Mississippi University for Women, Ohio State University and Florida International University.
Cockrell toured and studied institutions of higher learning policies and practices abroad in England, Scotland and Ireland.
He received his bachelor of science degree in family studies from Mississippi University for Women in 2003. Cockrell obtained a master of science degree in educational leadership and student affairs from Florida International University, followed by a doctor of philosophy in urban higher education from Jackson State University.
