A Message From Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Charles Nies
Dear Campus Community,
The Division of Student Affairs is honored to welcome Jonathan Grady, Ph.D., to the UC Merced campus today as our new associate vice chancellor and dean of students.
After a national search, we are fortunate to bring Jonathan to campus from the University of Michigan, Flint, where he served as the assistant vice chancellor of student success. He had direct responsibility for the vision and direction of the Educational Opportunity Initiatives; Counseling and Psychological Services; Orientation; Disability and Accessibility Services; Intercultural Programming; and the Student Success Center (including Academic Advising, Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction).
Jonathan brings more than 14 years of experience as a researcher, leader and educator in academia. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and doctorate in Urban Schooling and Educational Policy from UCLA, and a master’s degree in African and African-American Studies from Cornell University.
Beginning today, Jonathan will oversee the campus’ Student Response Team (SRT); the Office of Student Life, with its focus on identity, integrity and involvement; and the Calvin E. Bright Success Center, with its initiatives around student transitions, learning support services and educational equity programs. He will also work closely with the CARE Office and the Basic Needs Security working group.
Much appreciation goes out to Fuji Collins, Ph.D., who has served as the interim dean of students for the past three years and has played an important role in assisting students. His ongoing insight will be valuable as we transition. Fuji will work as a special assistant to the vice chancellor to develop a comprehensive plan to provide more case management support for student crisis response, and he will also serve as the interim director of student accessibility and disability services.
Please take a moment to join me in thanking Fuji and welcoming Jonathan.
Sincerely,
Charles Nies
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
