Following a national search, Kent State University has selected Shay Davis Little, Ph.D., to serve as vice president for student affairs. Little has served as interim vice president for student affairs since Aug. 1, 2015. She began serving as the permanent vice president for student affairs on May 14.
Little will lead Kent State’s Division of Student Affairs and institutional efforts aimed toward enhancing the engaged co-curricular lives of all Kent State students within the eight-campus system. The vice president for student affairs directs staff in a wide variety of student affairs functions and oversees strategic planning, assessment and activities designed to support the vision and mission of Kent State. As vice president for student affairs, Little oversees the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, Center for Student Involvement, Flash Technology Center, International Student Affairs, Kent State University Bookstore, Kent Student Center, Office of Student Conduct, Recreational Services, Residence Services, Student Accessibility Services, University Dining Services and University Health Services.
The vice president for student affairs reports directly to Kent State President Beverly Warren and is a cabinet-level position.
“I believe that Dr. Little is an outstanding choice for Kent State at this time,” Warren says. “She brings significant and successful experience in student affairs leadership and a highly collaborative style that is valued by our university community.”
Little expressed her enthusiasm regarding the selection.
“I am honored and excited about this appointment,” Little says. “I look forward to continue serving the Kent State community and helping our students become their best selves. Go Flashes!”
Little joined Kent State in July 2012 as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Prior to joining Kent State, Little served 18 years in a series of progressively responsible roles in student affairs at the University of Georgia and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
A resident of Kent, Ohio, Little received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology degree from Baylor University, Master of Science in counseling and student personnel services degree from Oklahoma State University and her Ph.D. in counseling and student personnel services from the University of Georgia.
For more information about Kent State’s Division of Student Affairs, visit www.kent.edu/studentaffairs.
