William M. McDonald, vice president for student life and dean of students at Presbyterian College, has been named dean of students at UGA. The appointment, pending approval from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, is effective Jan. 1.
“Dr. McDonald brings to UGA a strong student-centered philosophy and the managerial and leadership expertise to ensure that our students are well served in all areas supervised by the dean of students,” said Rodney Bennett, vice president for student affairs.
As dean of students, McDonald will oversee a number of departments including, among others, Greek Life, the Office of Judicial Programs, the Center for Leadership and Service, the Center for Student Organizations, Campus Reservations, WUOG-FM 90.5 FM radio station, SGA, University Union, the Tate Student Center and Intercultural Affairs.
Prior to joining Presbyterian College in 2002, McDonald held various student affairs related positions at Carson-Newman College, Memphis State University, Catawba College and Lenoir-Rhyne College. He also worked as a residence life coordinator at UGA from 1986-1988.
McDonald received a bachelor’s degree in recreation administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1980, a master’s degree in counseling education and research from Appalachian State University in 1983 and a doctorate in leadership studies in education from the University of Tennessee in 1996.
His scholarly interests include building campus community, assessing student perceptions of community and developing model programs for faculty involvement in residence halls.
Laura Dean, assistant professor of counseling and human development services, will continue to serve as interim dean of students through December, when she will return full time to her teaching position in the college student affairs administration program in the College of Education.
