Where's the Dean? New Program Connects Students and Deans

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Going to see the Dean of Students on a college campus may sound like a scary prospect for students, but nothing could be further from the truth. The dean of students and associate deans in the Division of Student Affairs invite all students to join them for free beverages and casual conversation throughout the semester.

An event series called “Where’s the Dean? Follow UA4Student. Find the Deans. Forge Relationships” is aimed at creating the opportunity for students and deans to connect and build relationships. Each gathering will be held at a different location on campus, with coffee, soda, water or other beverages provided by the deans.

Melissa Hardwood-Rom, senior associate dean, is looking forward to the chance to talk with students more informally. “While we love working with students in formal settings like meetings or appointments, sometimes the best interaction is over a cup of coffee,” Rom said. “We look forward to getting to know some students we’ve not met before.”

Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, enjoys the one-on-one contact with students that “Where’s the Dean?” will provide. “Every day, we get up trying to make a difference in the lives of our students. It is the motivation that attracted us to our profession and it remains the motivation that keeps us coming back every single day,” Pugh said. “While our daily decisions impact thousands of students, including those who are here and those who will be coming in the very near future, we still thrive on the individual relationship we are able to forge with students.”

The other deans participating will be Judd Harbin and Aisha Kenner, both associate deans in student affairs. Deans of various colleges may also be in attendance at some locations.

In order to find out where the deans will be located, students will need to follow the Division of Student Affairs on Twitter, @UA4Student. @UA4Student will tweet when and where the deans will be 30 minutes before the gatherings begin.

The decision to incorporate social media is fueled by a desire to meet students where they are, on outlets such as Twitter. The Division of Student Affairs encourages students to engage @UA4Student on social media, as it serves as an additional platform for communication.

The division also wants to encourage students to seize the opportunity to interact with the administration through “Where’s the Dean,” noting the importance of face-to-face interaction. ASG President Tori Pohlner, who often works with the deans, speaks highly of her relationships with them.

“One unique aspect I treasure most about my position as ASG president is my constant opportunity to work and network with our university’s administration,” Pohlner said. “Getting to know them and speaking with them one on one has shown me firsthand just how much they care for the ‘You of A,’ and how they work to keep students first at all times. I hope every student will take advantage of this incredible opportunity to get to know our fantastic deans – they have quite a lot of wisdom to share!”