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Student Affairs Leadership Team
306 Memorial Hall
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-3564 | askstudentaffairs@uga.edu
Organization Chart
Leadership Team Roles
Biographical Info
Victor K. Wilson is Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia. In more than three decades of experience in higher education administration and student affairs, he has served as a strong advocate for students and student development, particularly the inclusion and success of students from historically underrepresented groups.
Wilson has authored numerous scholarly articles and given presentations on issues of race, ethics, crisis management, and staff development in higher education. He has held leadership roles in several national organizations, including the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). He also serves on the National Board of Directors for Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
At UGA, Wilson oversees a Student Affairs division of 18 departments and 600 staff members dedicated to enrich student learning and support student development and growth. Wilson received both his bachelor’s degree in Social Work and master’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia.
Wilson is a proud single father. His son, Hunter, is a graduate of Guilford College. A trained vocalist, he enjoys music of all types. He also enjoys college football, reading, and has a keen interest in U.S. presidential history.
Biographical Info
Eric Atkinson serves as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia. He is responsible for overseeing the departments of Greek Life, Recreational Sports, and Student Conduct, and he supervises the assistant to the vice president for communications and digital engagement. He is also a member of the University’s Behavioral Assessment and Response Council (BARC) and co-teaches a First Year Odyssey (FYO) seminar with President Morehead.
Eric received his undergraduate degree from Troy State University in Alabama and earned M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Georgia. He has worked in UGA’s Division of Student Affairs since 1999.
Biographical Info
Dr. Michele Howard serves as Senior Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs – Student Experience.
Michele earned her Bachelor of Science in mathematics education and Master of Education in student personnel services from the University of South Carolina and her Doctor of Education in leadership studies in higher education from the University of Tennessee. She joined the UGA Student Affairs team in May 2016.
Biographical Info
Bill McDonald became Dean of Students at the University of Georgia on January 1, 2011. In this role, he is known as a strong student advocate who meets with student groups and individual students on a daily basis.
McDonald oversees five departments, including the Disability Resource Center, Student Care and Outreach, Student Veterans Resource Center, Tate Student Center (including UGA’s Freedom of Expression Policy and the Center for Student Activities and Involvement, which administers approximately 800 student organizations), and University Testing Services. Additional responsibilities include advising the Student Government Association and serving as the Chair of the Behavioral Assessment and Response Council, the designated Sexual Assault Appeals Hearing Officer, and the Student Affairs Divisional Liaison to the Campus Ministry Association. McDonald also maintains Graduate Faculty status in the College of Education.
McDonald has 38 years of experience at colleges and universities throughout the southeast. He has held elected and appointed leadership positions within the American College Personnel Association, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the Southern Association of College Student Affairs. Author of dozens of publications in higher education journals with a focus on model partnerships between academic and student affairs, assessing student perceptions of community, building campus community, diversity and inclusivity, and ethical decision making.
Active in community service, McDonald currently serves as a member of the National Campus Advisory Committee for the College Diabetes Network and as a member of the Advisory Board for Branch Banking and Trust Company. He is also a Clark County Community Mentor. Prior activities include serving as the Vice Chair of the Athens Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross, and participating and graduating from LEAD Athens and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.
McDonald received an Ed.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an M.A. from Appalachian State University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Biographical Info
As the Associate Vice President for Finance and Risk Management, I work closely with the Vice President and serve as a member of the leadership team for the Division. I am the chief fiscal officer and risk advisor for the Division of Student Affairs. My stewardship responsibilities include fiscal and compliance matters, including financial accounting and reporting; HR/personnel actions; EO compliance; payroll; financial management systems; and fund management (state appropriated, auxiliary operations, student activity fee accounts and UGA Foundation funds). Additionally, I serve on several campus-wide committees: Student Technology Fee Committee, All- Campus Student Fee Allocations, and Major Repair and Rehabilitation (MRR). I also serve as the Division’s Return to Work Coordinator.
I received a B.S. and a M.S. in Accounting from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After working as a C.P.A. in Atlanta for two years, I attended The University of Georgia School of Law, where I received my Juris Doctor. Prior to working in the OVPSA, I worked as a law clerk for a federal district judge in Chattanooga, Tennessee and as an Assistant Director for Legal Affairs in the UGA Office of Legal Affairs.
Biographical Info
Matthew E. Waller is Chief of Staff for UGA Student Affairs. Matthew’s professional background spans more than two decades in higher education and strategic communications. Prior to UGA, Matthew served in senior leadership roles in campus life at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania.
At UGA, Matthew serves as a primary and confidential advisor to the Vice President, providing the VP and other senior leaders with research, analysis, advice, and recommendations on the full range of issues facing students and Student Affairs. On behalf of the VP, he oversees student learning strategy, academic collaborations, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, accreditation and institutional reporting, and staff development, and supports executive communications for Student Affairs and its 17 departments. Matthew also manages the Office of the Vice President and office support staff.
Matthew holds a master’s in Television-Radio-Film from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University and a bachelor’s in English from Vanderbilt University. He has also enjoyed success as a film and video producer, garnering wide recognition, including two regional Emmy awards. He lives in Athens with his wife, Jill, and son, Keats. Matthew joined UGA Student Affairs in this role in 2013.
Biographical Info
Jan Davis Barham is Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Tate Student Center. She is responsible for managing the operations of Tate to include facility services, Campus Reservations Events and Technical Services, Print & Copy Services, the UGA Card Office, the UGA Chapel, and the Center for Student Activities & Involvement, which administers the Student Government Association, University Union Student Programming Board, Pandora Yearbook, WUOG 90.5FM, the Graduate Student Association, and over 800 registered student organizations. Jan also oversees the Freedom of Expression Policy for the University of Georgia and serves as a member of the Behavioral Response Team.
Jan received her Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in 2004, her master’s degree from Appalachian State University in 1997 and her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1994. She has served as a Graduate Faculty member in the College Student Affairs Administration program at the University of Georgia for the last seven years. Jan has authored several published articles including Increasing Accountability in Student Affairs Through a New Comprehensive Assessment Model, and most recently co-edited a book, A Practitioners Guide to Assessment.
Biographical Info
As the Director of the Disability Resource Center, Erin leads the university’s commitment to educate and serve students with disabilities, ensuring equal educational opportunities as required by the ADA and other legislation. The Disability Resource Center houses three distinct services: the Test Accommodations Office for onsite classroom testing; the Assistive Technology Lab equipped with a variety of programs designed for people with disabilities; and Alternative Media Services, which converts required printed material into accessible formats for students with reading disabilities.
Erin has two degrees from the University of Georgia, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Master of Public Administration and Policy. She spent most of her undergraduate years at UGA as a student disc jockey for the WUOG 90.5 radio station. Erin initially joined the staff of the Disability Resource Center in 2015 as senior coordinator and has served as senior assistant director since December 2016. Previously, she served more than nine years in Student Affairs at the University of North Georgia Oconee Campus, including seven years working directly with students with disabilities.
Biographical Info
Taylor Cain is the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Engagement, Leadership, and Service (ELS) where she leads a team of over 20 staff in the coordination and direction of student activities, involvement, service, and leadership initiatives in the mission of amplifying the collegiate experience at the University of Georgia. She also serves as one of the direct advisors for the Student Government Association (SGA).
Joining the University of Georgia in 2013, Taylor first worked directly with student organizations and has since served in several roles to include overseeing student activities and the programming board, student governance organizations, and first-year and transfer student experience initiatives. Over the course of her career, she has planned, executed, or consulted on hundreds of events to include those with attendance of nearly 9,000. In 2016, Taylor spearheaded the creation of a welcome experience later named Welcome UGA encompassing hundreds of events in the first six weeks of the fall and spring semesters.
Taylor also currently serves as the Foundation Ambassador for NASPA (Student Affairs Professional in Higher Education) Region III and as a National At-Large Governor on the University of South Carolina Alumni Association Board of Governors. She has previously served as the Georgia State Co-Director for NASPA Region III. Her research and professional interest areas include supervision and organizational management, college student voter and civic engagement, and student involvement.
Taylor holds a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. from UGA’s College Student Affairs Administration program.
Biographical Info
As Student Affairs Staff Development Lead, James coordinates division-wide staff development initiatives. He is responsible for department workshops, coordinating the Engage! Conference, New Staff Orientation, and other opportunities that arise through staff feedback and assessment.
James received his M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina and his Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Prior to joining Learning & Strategic Initiatives, he worked in Fraternity and Sorority Life as the IFC, NPHC, and Panhellenic advisor throughout his tenure as the Assistant Director of Greek Life at Vanderbilt University. Outside of the office, James spends his time as a volunteer lacrosse coach, practicing photography, and taking his corgi Pancake on adventures.
Biographical Info
As assistant to the vice president for student affairs – communications and digital engagement, Stan represents and promotes the Division of Student Affairs by increasing its visibility, creating a consistent brand for the Division, provides new and enhanced digital service and content delivery to students, and supports the institution’s mission, vision, and goals. The position also leads, consults, and advises collaborative division teams in the areas of communications, digital engagement, data, and information technology to bring together information, leverage technologies, and create a cohesive and creative approach to engaging and serving students digitally.
He is a member of the vice president’s office staff, serves on the leadership team for the division, and is a member of the University’s Core Strategic Communications group. In addition, he provides staff support for various initiatives and division-wide projects, and has served on several campus-wide program design and strategy committees.
Stan’s professional background includes more than 10 years in higher education communications, including serving on the staffs of the UGA Alumni Association, UGA’s Department of Financial Services and the UGA Griffin Campus. Previous to his work in higher education, he worked for the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce, Inlingua International and the Verona International Program.
Stan has previously served on the 1919 Society of the Piedmont Athens Regional Health System, as well as the boards of Hands On Northeast Georgia and the Georgia Children’s Chorus. He is a graduate of the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Oconee program and a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2020. He is also an active member of Athens First United Methodist Church.
Stan holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in higher education administration, both from the University of Georgia. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education from UGA’s Institute of Higher Education. He and his wife, Angel, live in Watkinsville with their son, Conner, and daughter, Laura Claire. He has been a member of the Student Affairs team since 2013.
Biographical Info
Kasper brings more than 20 years of experience in University Housing. She previously served as executive director of residential education at the University of South Florida, director of residential education and associate director of University Housing and Dining Services at Oregon State University, and assistant director for residential education at the University of Arizona.
At South Florida, Kasper oversaw the implementation of a residential curriculum that contributed to increase USF’s overall persistence rate to record highs. She also served as interim chief housing officer, supervising facilities, operations and outreach, and budget and finance.
Her professional associations include being elected to serve as Residence Education Director for the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) and past service as co-chair and faculty for the annual ACPA Residential Curriculum Institute, as well as faculty chair for the National Housing Training Institute.
Kasper earned her Master of Education in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont and her bachelor of science in public relations with a minor in broadcasting from Northern Michigan University.
Biographical Info
Barrett Malone serves as Director for the Office of Student Conduct and is responsible for planning, implementation, evaluation and oversight of the University’s student conduct system. The Office of Student Conduct receives all complaints regarding possible infractions of conduct regulations; schedules all University judicial hearings; coordinates and monitors all appeals; maintains student disciplinary records; and recruits, trains, and advises the University Judiciary.
A two-time graduate of UGA, Barrett received his B.B.A. from the Terry College of Business and earned his J.D. from The University of Georgia School of Law. Prior to assuming his current role, Barrett worked in the sports communications office of the University of Georgia Athletic Association, and after graduating from law school, entered the private practice of law for several years before returning to his alma mater.
Biographical Info
Chad R. Mandala (he/him) serves as the Director for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Georgia. He firmly believes education serves as the surest path toward liberation and self-actualization. He can often be found with a cup of coffee, a book, or trying to convince himself that carrot cake is, indeed, a vegetable. Prior to becoming a Dawg, Chad received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Dramatic Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master of Science in Higher Education from Florida State University, and is currently pursuing his doctorate through the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia. He also spent time supporting the fraternity and sorority community as well as the on campus residential population at Virginia Tech and the GLBT Resource Center at Texas A&M University before transitioning into his current role at UGA. Chad maintains an active membership in the Consortium of LGBT Higher Education Professionals and in ACPA – College Student Educators International.
Biographical Info
Student Affairs is comprised of 18 departments that provide incredible programs, services and scholarships to our diverse student population. Many of our initiatives are made possible by the generous gifts from alumni, foundations and friends of the university. As the senior director of development, I serve as the chief fundraising officer for the vice president and our department directors and colleagues, and I partner with them to ensure their priorities are financially solvent through private and annual giving.
I graduated from the university in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and History, and I proudly proclaim myself a product of the programs and services supported by Student Affairs. Without them, I would not have been prepared to achieve post-graduate success. I am honored and tremendously excited to be back at my beloved Alma Mater, and look forward to establishing many new relationships with folks who share my enthusiasm and appreciation for Student Affairs!
Biographical Info
Beau Seagraves is responsible for overseeing Student Care and Outreach, which provides individualized assistance to students experiencing hardship circumstances, support to faculty and staff working with students in distress, and guidance to parents seeking help and information on behalf of their students. He also coordinates the case management functions for the university’s Behavioral Assessment and Response Council (BARC).
Beau received a B.A. in History & Political Science from Furman University. He holds an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from Clemson University and a Ph.D. in Counseling & Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia. Beau has worked within the Division of Student Affairs at UGA since 2007. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the university’s Department of Counseling and Human Development Services. Prior to coming to UGA, Beau worked at Presbyterian College and Furman University.
Biographical Info
Carrie Smith serves as the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Care & Outreach, providing individualized support and assistance to students experiencing hardship circumstances. She oversees general case management within Student Care & Outreach. Additionally, Carrie provides trainings and informational sessions to campus and community partners about working with students of concern and the role of Student Care & Outreach. Carrie also serves as a member of the university’s Behavioral Assessment and Response Council (BARC).
Carrie received a B.B.A. in Marketing from Mississippi State University, an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of Mississippi, and she holds a Ph.D. in College and Student Personnel Services from UGA. She worked in corporate public relations at Fleishman-Hillard before returning to the field of education to serve as the Assistant Director of Admissions at The Browning School. Prior to coming to UGA, Carrie worked with graduate admissions, scholarship programming, and athletics at the University of Mississippi. She served as the Student Affairs Case Manager before this position.
Biographical Info
John Alvarez Turner is the Interim Director for the Office of Multicultural Services and Programs. John’s professional background in the field of Education spans over fifteen years in K-12, corporate training, and higher education. Prior to UGA, John served as the Associate Director for Hispanic Outreach, Student Success Instructor, Manager of the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron’s Black History and Culture, and Academic Advisor at The University of Akron as well as a Commissioner on the Civil Rights Commission for the City of Akron, Ohio. He also proudly worked as a Middle School ESL Social Studies Teacher for 7 years.
At UGA, John is responsible for providing leadership with regard to planning, advising, developing and implementing a variety of programs, educational offerings, and trainings that focuses on providing opportunities that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, multicultural education and awareness, and intercultural engagement that also honors intersections of identity for the office of Multicultural Services and Programs.
John holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from The University of Akron and a Bachelor’s in History from the University of Central Florida. John joined UGA Multicultural Services and Programs in this role in 2018.
John is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Education in Student Affairs Leadership at the University of Georgia
Biographical Info
As the director of Greek Life, Joshua is responsible for strategic oversight of Greek Life Office operations and leads a team of talented professionals who work to create meaningful fraternity and sorority experiences for the 7500+ students involved in the Greek community. Through his personal and professional experiences, Joshua has come to believe that the fraternity and sorority experience, rooted in values, uniquely equips students to become impactful and multifaceted leaders.
Prior to arriving at UGA in spring 2020, Joshua served as the associate director of fraternity and sorority life at North Carolina State University where he oversaw fraternity and sorority housing initiatives, alcohol and other drug prevention education for the department, and as a liaison to alumni advisors and house corporations and the department. Over the past 12 years of his career in higher education, Joshua has worked at a variety of institutional types, including campus and headquarters-based positions.
Joshua’s professional involvement includes volunteer roles in the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors where he has served as a representative to the Nominating & Election Committee and the Professional Development Committee exploring core competencies of the profession for fraternity and sorority advisors. He is a 2020 Recipient of the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors.
Joshua received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and a Master of Education with a specialization in College Student Personnel from Western Carolina University.
Biographical Info
Keith Wenrich leads the Department of Recreational Sports, serves on the leadership team for the Division of Student Affairs and reports directly to the associate vice president for student affairs. He is responsible for the operations of all recreational facilities including the Ramsey Student Center, Pound/Wheeler Gym on the health science campus, Rec Sports complex, Club Sports complex, the Lake Herrick Pavilion, and the Challenge Course in the Oconee Forrest. Keith leads a team of 29 professionals, 10 graduate assistants and more than 550 student employees.
Keith received his undergraduate degree from Susquehanna University in business administration and his M.S. from the University of Southern Mississippi in sports administration. He has worked in UGA’s Division of Student Affairs since 2007 and has worked in higher education for 25 years.