University News

Braverman Named Vice President for Student Success

June 1, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – David Braverman, interim executive director of the student experience at the California Institute of the Arts, has been named vice president for student success (VPSS) at Western Illinois University, effective July 1. He takes over for John Smith, director of Beu Health Center, who has served as the interim vice president since July 2019. Smith will return to his role at Beu.

Braverman has served as an interim executive in higher education for institutions across the country, most recently as the interim executive director of the student experience at the California Institute of the Arts since 2021. Previously, he was the interim vice president for student and campus life at the State University of New York-Geneseo from 2019-2020. Braverman has also served as the interim director of student conduct and special projects for student affairs at Central Connecticut State University (2018-2019); the interim executive assistant vice president for student affairs at the University of Hartford (CT) (2018); interim dean of students at the Community College of Philadelphia (2017-2018 and 2014); and interim associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students at California State University Dominguez Hills (2015-2017).

"Dr. Braverman's long tenure in student affairs will provide outstanding leadership and growth for our student success division. Student affairs is a vital component to our students' success, and with Dr. Braverman leading the division, I'm confident that our students will continue to succeed in and out of the classroom," said WIU President Guiyou Huang. "I'd also like to thank John Smith for his leadership and tireless efforts, particularly in the midst of a global pandemic."

Prior to his interim roles, Braverman served as a presidential fellow at Black Hills State University (2015); vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Springfield (MA) College (2005-2014); dean of students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (2002-2005); associate vice president for student affairs at California State-Sacramento (1998-2002); dean of students at Culver-Stockton College (1995-1998); assistant dean of Richmond College, University of Richmond (VA) (1990-1995); and assistant director of residence life at Cornell College (1988-1990).

"I am excited about joining Western Illinois University and becoming an active part of the community," Braverman said. "WIU is a special place with great faculty, staff and students. I am honored to lead the Division of Student Success and work with the University's leadership team to achieve our mission."

Braverman received his Ph.D. and master's degree from the University of Iowa and his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri.

The Vice President for Student Success oversees the student experience dedicated to providing students with the support and resources they need to thrive at the University and as citizens of the world. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President's senior leadership team, the VPSS is responsible for the strategic vision, long-range planning, resource management and overall supervision and administration of personnel in the division of student success, which includes campus recreation/golf course, childcare, counseling center, cultural centers, disability resources, housing and dining services, public safety, risk management, auxiliary services, student engagement, student development and success, student health center, student rights and responsibilities, student publications, University Union services, and veterans and military center. The VPSS is expected to demonstrate community involvement, serve as the chief spokesperson to both internal and external constituents on student success issues and bridge the gap between student success and academic affairs. The Division of Student Success plays a critical role in student retention.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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