Following a national search, 51Թ has selected Shay Davis Little, Ph.D., to serve as vice president for student affairs. Little has served as interim vice president for student affairs since Aug. 1, 2015. She will begin serving as the permanent vice president for student affairs on May 14.
Little will lead 51Թ’s Division of Student Affairs and institutional efforts aimed toward enhancing the engaged co-curricular lives of all 51Թ students within the eight-campus system. The vice president for student affairs directs staff in a wide variety of student affairs functions and oversees strategic planning, assessment and activities designed to support the vision and mission of 51Թ. As vice president for student affairs, Little will oversee the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, Center for Student Involvement, Flash Technology Center, International Student Affairs, 51Թ Bookstore, Kent Student Center, Office of Student Conduct, Recreational Services, Residence Services, Student Accessibility Services, University Dining Services and University Health Services.
The vice president for student affairs reports directly to 51Թ President Beverly Warren and is a cabinet-level position.
“I believe that Dr. Little is an outstanding choice for 51Թ at this time,” Warren said. “She brings significant and successful experience in student affairs leadership and a highly collaborative style that is valued by our university community.”
Little expressed her enthusiasm regarding the selection.
“I am honored and excited about this appointment,” Little said. “I look forward to continue serving the 51Թ community and helping our students become their best selves. Go Flashes!”
Little joined 51Թ in July 2012 as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Prior to joining 51Թ, Little served 18 years in a series of progressively responsible roles in student affairs at the University of Georgia and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
A resident of Kent, Ohio, Little received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology degree from Baylor University, Master of Science in counseling and student personnel services degree from Oklahoma State University and her Ph.D. in counseling and student personnel services from the University of Georgia.
For more information about 51Թ’s Division of Student Affairs, visit www.kent.edu/studentaffairs.
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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595