The Division of Student Life creates transformational opportunities, inclusive environments, and meaningful connections that maximize student growth, learning, and success.
Student Life Leadership and Organization
Student Life Leadership
Jayne Brownell, Ed.D.
Senior Vice President for Student Life
Jayne Brownell joined the Division of Student Life on March 1, 2014 as the Vice President for Student Life. She represents the division on the President's cabinet and the interests of Miami students at the executive level.
In conjunction with the senior leadership team, the vice president engages with staff across the division and with student leaders in on-going efforts to enhance the quality of student life and realize Miami's vision of an environment in which the education of the whole student is a central value of the university.
The VP oversees the Division of Student Life with direct reports from:
- Associate VP / Dean of Students
- Assistant VPs / Student Life
- Advancement
- Budget and Technology
- Miami Tribe Relations
BaShaun Smith, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
The Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students provides administrative leadership for on-campus living, academic support, student persistence and success, emergency response, student Title IX response, and student accountability. Specifically, the following offices report to this position:
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Community Standards
- Rinella Learning Center
- Miller Center for Student Disability Services
- Residence Life
Scott Walter, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Life - Student Engagement and Leadership
The Assistant VP for Student Life - Engagement and Leadership provides oversight and direction for student engagement and leadership development. He is charged with providing leadership for the overall administrative area of Student Life. He is responsible for establishing collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and others with the goal of enhancing student success by creating an engaging environment. Specifically, the following offices report to this position:
- Armstrong Student Center
- Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service
- Student Activities
- Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Steve Large, Psy.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Life - Health and Wellness
The Assistant VP for Student Life - Health and Wellness provides oversight and direction for the following departments within Student Life:
Gwen Fears, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Life - Assessment, Planning, and Transition
The Assistant VP for Student Life - Assessment, Planning, and Transition provides oversight and direction for divisional assessment initiatives, long-term planning, and student transition programs, including:
- Communications for the Division of Student Life
- Orientation and Transition Programs
- Parent and Family Programs
Student Affairs - Regional Campuses
Peter Haverkos, Ed.D.
Senior Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Success
The Regional Senior Assistant Dean of Student and Academic Success at Hamilton and Middletown provides oversight and direction for the following regional offices/departments:
- Academic Advising
- Athletics
- Child Care
- Career Services and Professional Development
- Center for Civic Engagement (MUH)
- Community Engagement and Service (MUM)
- Disability Services
- English Language Center (ELC)
- Learning Assistance
- New Student Orientation
- Student Activities
- Student Counseling Services
- Student Government
- TRIO Student Support Services
Updated June 2025
