November 28, 2017

Dear University of Oregon community members,

It is my pleasure to announce that I have appointed Kevin Marbury to the permanent position of vice president for student life. Kevin has successfully served in this position in an interim role since October 2016, proving himself to be an innovative and thoughtful leader who cares deeply about the success, health, and welfare of students at the University of Oregon.

As interim vice president, Kevin oversaw significant leadership and programmatic changes in the division that elevated the student experience and addressed critical issues facing students. This includes the successful onboarding of the new dean of students, assistant dean of students for leadership and engagement, director of fraternity and sorority life, director of multicultural and identity-based support services, and assistant dean of students for crisis response and prevention. He has also deftly helped manage the university’s efforts to address issues related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy (DACA), fraternity and sorority life, the demands of the Black Student Task Force, and sexual harassment and violence prevention, including the implementation of the new responsible employee reporting policy.

Prior to this assuming his current role, Kevin was the director of physical education and recreation at the UO, a program that under his leadership became a benchmark of excellence for universities across the country. Prior to joining the UO in 2012, he was director of recreation and wellness at Old Dominion University, and he served as vice president for student affairs at Edward Waters College.

During the last year, it became abundantly clear to me that the university and students would be well served by the appointment of Kevin permanently as vice president, rather than undertaking an external search. His performance as interim vice president has been exemplary.  In addition, Kevin’s efforts to reorganize the Division of Student Life will take more than a year to fully accomplish, and we will all be better served if he remains in the role to see them through. I came to this decision after seeking input from student leaders, senior administrators, student life leadership, academic leaders, and Kevin’s peers. I also sought out the views of the leadership of the University Senate.

Kevin’s strong background in higher education administration and student life leadership—here at Oregon and in previous posts—provides him the tools and relationships to succeed at this critical time on campus in response to national dynamics affecting students. This allows us to maintain strong and consistent leadership at a time in which we are making great strides, and when we still have much important work ahead to ensure all students thrive and feel welcome, secure, and included on our campus. I am very happy Kevin has agreed to take on this important challenge.

Please join me in congratulating Kevin Marbury on his permanent appointment as vice president for student life, which takes effect immediately. I ask that every member of our campus community work together with Kevin and his leadership team to help ensure we meet the university’s critical mission—educating students and creating opportunity for them to become successful future leaders and contributing members of society.

Sincerely,

Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of Law