UC Berkeley Press Release
New dean of students begins work this week
BERKELEY – Jonathan Poullard, a student affairs administrator with almost 20 years of experience working in higher education, has been hired as the University of California, Berkeley's new dean of students.
Poullard began work on Monday (May 1), but don't expect to find him in the office.
 'Learning happens inside and outside of the classroom, and I am responsible for making sure that we develop students holistically.' -Jonathan Poullard Dean of students |
"I think the dean needs to meet students where they are to understand what their issues, concerns and needs are and develop programs that intentionally meet their needs," said Poullard, who plans to set aside at least a few hours each week to chat with students on Sproul Plaza.
Poullard believes that every program offered through the campus' Office of Student Life, which he oversees, should further students' skills and knowledge.
''Learning happens inside and outside of the classroom, and I am responsible for making sure that we develop students holistically. I want to build a bridge between student affairs and academic affairs. Students should feel that their learning has been integrated and seamless – that's my aim, and that's my responsibility."
Poullard's selection, which was announced earlier this year, followed a nationwide search.
The new dean had served since 2000 as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at California State University, San Marcos, in northern San Diego County. He previously worked as associate dean of students at Occidental College in Los Angeles, as director of multicultural affairs at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania, and as coordinator of residence hall programs at Pennsylvania State University.
The 40-year-old received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Jackson State University in Mississippi and his master's degree in human development and family studies from Pennsylvania State University.
"We are extremely fortunate to have Jonathan join us," said Genaro Padilla, UC Berkeley's vice chancellor of student affairs. "He is an exceptional professional with a broad background in student affairs. His commitment to student life and work with multicultural communities will serve our students and the university well."
Poullard will oversee several campus units and departments involved with student activities and services. These include student leaderships programs, community volunteer programs, student group advising, the student judicial affairs office, and the campus's Gender Equity Resource Center. The dean also responds to emergency and crisis situations that affect students.
The campus's former dean of students, Karen Kenney, left UC Berkeley last fall after 25 years of service and became executive director of Girls Incorporated of the Island City (Girls Inc.) in Alameda. Campus registrar Susanna Castillo-Robson served as interim dean of students until Poullard's arrival.