Student Affairs: Where Life + Learning Unite
WHAT IS STUDENT AFFAIRS?
Student Affairs is the division at Gonzaga University that is responsible for facilitating and supporting the outside-the-classroom learning, living, and thriving. The professionals who work in Student Affairs are committed to helping all Zags create lives of leadership and service for the common good.
WHAT DO WE DO?
With our partners in Academic Affairs, we share the responsibility of helping our students learn. As trained professionals in our respective fields, our learning culture encourages a “guided practice,” allowing students to take the lead in their learning, pursuing ideas they are passionate about. We do so by providing our students with challenge and support, advising, counseling, teaching, coaching, guiding, and mentoring through frequent, consistent, meaningful and fun interactions. This practice provides space for students to unite their formal education with the other aspects of their life. Our team in Student Affairs works hard every day to enhance learning, nurture student success, and foster a secure and inclusive community, helping Gonzaga University to develop into a premiere Jesuit University.
DIVISIONAL COMMITTMENTS
Our work is driven by three primary commitments: 1) Diversity, Equity + Inclusion, 2) Experiential Education and 3) Student Wellbeing.
Learn more about how Student Affairs is embracing our commitments.
Dr. Kent Porterfield
As a first-generation college student, Dr. Kent Porterfield experienced the transformative power of a higher education. He was blessed to have mentors who believed in him and helped him grow. This support inspired his work today; he believes his purpose is helping students to find their purpose, voice and passions, and to prepare themselves for lives of great meaning, devotion and fulfillment. Dr. Porterfield strives to foster a climate at Gonzaga University in which every student feels respected, valued and that deep sense of belonging all of us needs and desires. He calls the Student Affairs Division to cultivate an educational experience where students will come to know themselves better, learn about the views and experiences of others, and take action that builds just communities; making the work of Student Affairs the place where life and learning unite.
Eric Baldwin, PhD
Assistant Vice President Student Well-Being and Healthy Living
Matt Lamsma
Dean of Student Engagement
Joan Iva Fawcett
Assistant Dean, Diversity, Inclusion, Community and Equity
Paula Smith
Assistant Dean, Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict
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Colleen Quinn Vandenboom, PhD
Assistant Dean, Student Involvement and Leadership
