The Division of Student Affairs will be led by a student advocate who has been part of The University of Toledo community for 20 years.
Dr. Sammy Spann will serve as vice president of student affairs and dean of students effective July 1.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to build upon the efforts of our strong and collaborative team in the Division of Student Affairs to do even more to support our students’ sense of belonging,” Spann said. “I am committed to doing everything we can to ensure every Rocket has a positive student experience at UToledo.”
Spann
Spann came to UToledo in 2002 bringing the Camp Adventure program to campus and growing it to one of the largest training sites in the country. He went on to serve as executive director of student engagement, assistant provost for international studies and programs, and most recently has served for the past five years as associate vice president and dean of students.
“Sammy has a well-earned reputation for being a passionate student advocate and really going above and beyond to help students succeed,” UToledo President Gregory Postel said. “We are fortunate to have his institutional knowledge and energy to tackle important initiatives to engage our students and support them through graduation.”
Spann will oversee student involvement and leadership, student advocacy and support, student conduct and community standards, multicultural student success, Greek life, career services, recreation, residence life programming and the Center for International Studies and Programs.
Spann said one of his goals is creating a focused student experience and belonging initiative to strengthen the culture of student-centeredness on campus.
A UToledo alumnus, Spann earned his Ph.D. in special education curriculum and instruction from the Judith Herb College of Education. He has a master’s degree in special education and behavior disorders from the University of Northern Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Fort Valley State University.
Postel thanked Valerie Simmons-Walston for serving as interim vice president for student affairs and taking on a new role on the senior leadership team as special assistant to the president for community engagement and strategic partnerships.
