CHICAGO — Gene Zdziarski, a national leader at student success and safety in higher education, has been named vice president for student affairs at DePaul University. Currently, Zdziarski is vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Roanoke College in Salem, Va. He will assume his new role July 1.

“Gene has proven experience promoting student learning and success. I am confident in Gene’s leadership and believe he will foster collaboration and excellence across the many programs that enhance student life at DePaul,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., president of DePaul.

“Gene brings fresh perspective and insight developed through his broad experience at institutions private and public, large and small,” said Interim Provost Patricia O’Donoghue. “We are proud to welcome him to DePaul.”

Zdziarski has an extensive career in building programs that enrich personal and academic support for college students. He will oversee 15 departments at DePaul covering areas of student development, student advocacy and community relations, diversity and university ministry.

Before joining Roanoke in 2008, Zdziarski served as assistant vice president and dean of students for seven years at the University of Florida. He also served as associate director of student life at Texas A&M University, where he worked for 15 years in various roles.

"I am truly honored to have been invited to join the DePaul University community. I look forward to working together with Father Holtschneider, his cabinet, faculty, staff, students and alumni in fostering an exceptional academic learning environment that engages students in cultural, social, religious and ethical values in service to others,” Zdziarski said. “This is a tremendous opportunity to work with an incredibly diverse student body at an outstanding university located in one of the most vibrant cities in the United States."

A leader in emergency management for universities, Zdziarski has published extensively on the topic including, “Campus crisis management: A comprehensive guide to planning, prevention, response, and recovery,” in 2007. He served as an expert consultant for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2009 report on emergency management at higher education institutions. Zdziarski was vice president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators from 2006 to 2008 and is chair-elect for the association’s foundation board. He will receive the Pillar of the Profession award from the association in March.

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Zdziarski earned a doctorate from Texas A&M University in educational administration. His master’s degree in education is from the University of Tennessee and his bachelor’s degree in business administration is from Oklahoma State University.