Replacing the chief student affairs officer

Hiring for an important role in student life and affairs

By M Yeager

On July 26, the Office of the Provost sent out an email announcing the departure of Dr. Matt Goodwin, the former vice president of Student Affairs (VPSA). A search for the next VPSA had already begun when the email was sent, and campus interviews were held with students in attendance this month. It was also announced that Sr. Sharon Howell, director of the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice, would serve as the interim vice president of Student Affairs until a replacement is found for the position.  Included in the email was Goodwin’s reflection on his time at the University:

Serving the community at St. Kate’s has been an important part of my professional journey. I’ve learned so much - about the rich traditions and history of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the significance of a women’s centered education, and about myself as a leader. All of these gifts are ones that I will carry with me as I continue to serve higher education and student affairs in my career.

Matt Goodwin, former vice president of Student Affairs. Credit: St. Catherine University

Goodwin joined St. Kate’s in February 2021 and undertook various roles to improve the student experience on campus. He was a part of the Safely Returning to Campus committee and advocated for student voices in an ever-changing climate during the pandemic. He also played a large role in the response to the April 2022 student demonstration and the various changes made to the Center for Intercultural Development, formerly known as Multicultural and International Programs and Services. 

In an interview with Denise Baird, co-provost and senior vice president for Academic Operations and Student Success, she noted that the search process is nearing its end. “One reason that we moved so quickly to get this search launched was because we recognized what an important leadership position this is, and [wanted] to ensure that students’ needs are met and that we are advocating for the strongest student experience as possible,” said Baird. 

Howell shared, “I firmly believe based on the very strong commitment that the candidates presented to us — that they are very willing to come and be present to whatever issues that students have.”

What does a VPSA do?

With the search nearing its end, how can students get involved and interact with the new VPSA? Ultimately, student involvement begins once the onboarding process is started. “The onboarding process will be an opportunity for the VPSA to go out and meet students, attend student activities and have students come to the office and meet them.” said Howell. 

Goodwin’s departure comes after Provost Anita Thomas’s departure at the end of May, and various other faculty and staff departures. Goodwin’s departure was followed by the retirement announcement of President ReBecca Koenig Roloff. These departures are all part of a larger nationwide pattern of what has been called “The Great Resignation,” an increase of employees across career fields voluntarily resigning in search of better career and job opportunities.

It is a period of change that Fern Schiffer ‘25 (English) thinks is something to take advantage of. “I think this period offers an opportunity to really consider how we want this school, campus, and community run and what we want the leadership to look like,” said Schiffer. 

Students were split on how this change may affect the larger student body. Schiffer wasn’t sure how it would affect students as they were unsure of the day-to-day activities of a VPSA. Another student, Lauren Trowbridge ‘24 (ASL Interpreting), expressed that change is difficult with the increase in turnover. “It’s hard to get anything done in the four years most students have here. Student leaders plant a seed and leave, leaving the important work in the hands of admin who end up just leaving,” said Trowbridge. “Without a constant at this university in an administrative role, everyone’s new ‘vision’ is going to get halfway to execution and fall flat when that person decides to leave.”