KU Student Affairs announces realignment to establish the KU Student Engagement Center

LAWRENCE — The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs is realigning its structure to establish the KU Student Engagement Center, effective immediately. This change expands Student Affairs’ capacity to promote programs with greater reach, impact, and efficiency in the pursuit of making learning possible.

“This exciting reimagining of our services enhances our ability to make learning possible on a greater scale and in more meaningful ways,” said Dr. Tammara Durham, Vice Provost for Student Affairs. “This new office will provide expanded support for students of varying identities, interests, and needs."

This realignment coincides with guidance from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) to reimagine facility usage and programming to better accommodate students and their evolving needs. The change also reflects Student Affairs’ long-standing commitment to the accessibility of programs and services that positively contribute to the student experience.

The creation of the KU Student Engagement Center was made possible by reallocating staff and resources from the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, the Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Student Involvement and Leadership Center. All existing staff will continue their roles through the Student Engagement Center and Fall 2024 programming will proceed as planned. The Student Engagement Center is open and operating currently in Suite 400 of the Kansas Memorial Union, and in the Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center. This change will establish a hub of student-centered activity in a location familiar to new Jayhawks from the start of their University of Kansas experience.

Jordan Brandt, former director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, has been named Director of the Student Engagement Center. Brandt will lead a student-driven campaign to formally name the Student Engagement Center and establish the center’s unique identity in the coming academic year. The following positions have also been added to the Student Engagement Center’s staff structure to support these changes:

Associate Director of Student Impact Programs and Services

Sarah Grabber, formerly the assistant director in Student Support and Case Management, has been appointed the new Associate Director of Student Impact Programs and Services. This position oversees the Campus Cupboard, the Trans Closet, a coat and clothing closet, and the Pregnant and Parenting Resource Pantry; and serves as the primary Student Affairs liaison to the Emergency Aid Network.

Associate Director of Student Community Programs

Cierra Roberson, formerly the assistant director in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, has been appointed the new Associate Director of Student Community Programs. This position oversees student of color, queer and trans, women and femme, and nontraditional student programming.

Associate Director of Student Leadership Programs

Student Affairs is now conducting a search for the new Associate Director of Student Leadership Programs, who will oversee student organizations, leadership development initiatives, and personal development initiatives.

 With this realignment, Student Affairs is meeting long-standing needs by implementing the following new positions:

• Director of Family Engagement Programs – Nikita Haynie, formerly director of the Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity
• Director of Student Affairs Communications – Morelle Maddox, formerly Communications Coordinator for Student Affairs
• Assistant Director for Student Senate Leadership Development – Mataia Gales, formerly Administrative Associate in the Student Affairs Office.

Additionally, Assistant Vice Provost Dr. Kevin Joseph will take on administrative responsibilities to provide support and development for Student Affairs staff. Student Affairs looks forward to the many changes that will be implemented in the 2024-2025 academic year to meaningfully invest in staff and provide programs with greater reach, impact, and efficiency.

About KU Student Affairs

The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs coordinates and develops student support services and programs and serves as an advocate for student needs across the university community that contributes to overall academic success. Student Affairs extends beyond the classroom. Our mission is to engage the KU community in programs, services, and spaces that make learning possible.