Athens, Ga. – Victor K. Wilson, executive vice president for student affairs at the College of Charleston, has been named vice president for student affairs at the University of Georgia, effective Aug. 1.
“The vice president for student affairs plays an integral role in creating a campus environment that enables our students to succeed academically, and I am delighted that Victor Wilson will assume this key leadership position,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “The broad scope of his experiences at a number of institutions, including the University of Georgia, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Division of Student Affairs.”
As vice president for student affairs, Wilson will report to interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Libby V. Morris.
“Victor Wilson brings a distinguished record of achievement in student affairs that demonstrates a commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of students,” Morris said. “His expertise and vision will undoubtedly benefit the university as we refocus our efforts on student success and college completion.”
Wilson joined the College of Charleston in 2004 as executive vice president for student affairs. In that role, he oversees a division that includes residence life and housing, public safety, student life, health services, counseling and substance abuse services, campus recreation, disability services, Greek life, the dean of students, and several additional units that offer services and programs for students. At the College of Charleston, he created the Higdon Student Leadership Center, implemented the college’s first sexual misconduct committee and instituted the McNair Scholars Program to increase the number of Ph.D. recipients from groups underrepresented in graduate education. He also championed the creation of a drug and alcohol task force and oversaw the renovation and expansion of the student health center as well as the construction of a new residence hall.
Wilson served as associate vice president for student affairs at UGA from 1999 to 2004. In that capacity, he oversaw the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, recreational sports, student activities and the Tate Student Center, as well as the Disability Resource Center. He also worked closely with minority services and programs, judicial programs, leadership programs and Greek life.
His career as a student affairs professional also includes appointments as assistant dean of students at Agnes Scott College and as director of new student programs at Northern Arizona University. He began his career in 1983 as director of orientation and assistant director of admissions at UGA.
“One of the most exciting things about this position is that it gives me the opportunity to contribute to the institution that, in so many ways, helped me become the professional I am today,” Wilson said. “I look forward to working with President Morehead, interim Provost Morris, other senior administrators and the outstanding professionals in the Division of Student Affairs to enhance the programs and services we offer to our students.”
Wilson is active in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and has served as president of the National Orientation Directors Association. At UGA, he served on the educational affairs committee of University Council, the UGA Athletic Board and the President’s Minority Advisory Committee.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from UGA in 1982 and his master’s degree in student personnel in higher education from UGA in 1987.
Wilson succeeds Rodney Bennett, who in April took office as president of the University of Southern Mississippi. Tom Burke, associate vice president for student affairs at UGA, has been serving as interim vice president for student affairs.
The Division of Student Affairs works to enhance the learning environment at UGA by promoting an environment conducive to growth and discovery, fostering a sense of community and enabling all students to realize their potential. It includes the Office of the Dean of Students, which oversees the Center for Leadership and Service, Greek Life, International Student Life, the LGBT Resource Center, Multicultural Services and Programs, the Office of Student Conduct and the Tate Student Center. Other units that report to the vice president for student affairs include the University Health Center, University Housing, Recreational Sports and the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, the Disability Resource Center, Student Affairs for Extended Campuses, Student Support Services and University Testing Services. To learn more about the division, see http://studentaffairs.uga.edu/.