Steve Bisese named next vice president for student development
For Steve Bisese, it's all about the students.
They have motivated him through four job titles in 10 years at Richmond.
"I have enjoyed each role because of the motivated and talented students that come here," he says. "Students appreciate the chance to lead and welcome someone who tries to help them."
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Steve Bisese enjoys the rewards and challenges of working with college students. |
Bisese, dean of Richmond College since 2002 and a leader in student affairs nationally, has been named the University's next vice president for student development, effective July 1.
Bisese will succeed Leonard S. Goldberg, who will retire after 19 years. The vice president for student development provides executive leadership to all student development divisions, including the women's and men's coordinate colleges--Westhampton and Richmond colleges--(which oversee student advising and housing, respectively), career development, counseling and psychological services, student activities, multicultural affairs, recreation and wellness (does not include intercollegiate athletics), and student health services.
In announcing the selection, Richmond President Bill Cooper lauded Bisese for engaging faculty and students in existing and new living and learning programs, while improving retention of students through a sophomore success program and enhanced residential environments. Cooper called Bisese "an exceptional counselor and colleague to students, staff and faculty alike."
"Steve received widespread support throughout the search process and is most deserving of this appointment," Cooper said.
Bisese's role in national higher education includes serving on Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation teams since 1997 and as national vice president for extension of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society, since 1998.
After earning his bachelor of business administration degree from The College of William and Mary and a master's of college student personnel at the University of Tennessee, Bisese began his professional career at Richmond as a residence hall coordinator and assistant dean of Richmond College. He returned to William and Mary in 1989, earning educational specialist and doctor of education degrees. He joined Georgetown College in Kentucky as vice president for student life and dean of students, a position he held for 10 years, before returning to Richmond in 2002.
Bisese is "very excited" about being appointed to the vice presidency. "I have tough shoes to fill, but I believe it is a chance of a lifetime to lead such a talented division at such a wonderful institution," he said.
Bisese's immediate goals include developing a focused strategic plan that addresses the needs of the various offices and reflects student needs.
"Also, it's a time to be visionary with a number of very large and exciting student development initiatives in the works, such as the Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness, the construction of new residence facilities, thorough residence hall renovations and the progress toward the Westhampton Center," he said.
There will be some challenges ahead, he said. "Whenever you develop a plan, you hope everything can happen right away. Patience is a challenge."
Also, he thinks it is always challenging "to make sure you are effectively responding to the needs of the student here today. It is very special that we have a division that responds to needs on a personal basis. ...It's a challenge to continue to provide that type of service that is so important."
As the future unfolds, Bisese said it will be the students who keep him refreshed and challenged. "I enjoy working with students because life never gets stagnant. Everyone is different and offers different ways you can help. Nothing makes my day more than to know that I might have been a help in some small way."
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