UW Makes Changes Following Dean of Students Resignation

Key leaders in the University of Wyoming's Division of Student Affairs are stepping up to fill important roles following the departure of Dean of Students and Associate Vice President Ryan O'Neil.

O'Neil has resigned from the university after serving as dean of students since early 2020. She led the Dean of Students Office through the COVID pandemic and times of dynamic cultural change.

"Dean O'Neil was a tireless student advocate, and we thank her for her hard work and commitment to UW and our incredible students," says Vice President for Student Affairs Kim Chestnut. "In response to her departure, Student Affairs has worked to ensure support is in place for the start of the semester. There have been some shifts in the division structure, some of which was materializing prior to notice of this leadership change."

Assistant Dean of Students Libby Thorson has agreed to serve as interim dean of students and will oversee operations in Knight Hall along with Residence Life while a search is initiated for the position.

Wyoming Union Director Erik Kahl has become the interim executive director of student life and now oversees support for the Associated Students of UW (ASUW) and the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL), in addition to his Union responsibilities. CSIL, the Wyoming Union and ASUW previously reported through the dean of students portfolio.

Assistant Dean of Students Melanie Vigil and her team, now the Pokes Center for Community Resources, are working to meet the needs of students under a modified framework that represents a shift from the former Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Another modification to the portfolio of the dean of students includes having the Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center report directly to the vice president for student affairs.

"These areas are highly utilized in supporting student needs, so it feels great knowing we have a strong team in place," Chestnut says. "Thanks to all the folks on these teams for coming together and ensuring that our students have a continuation of great care and success."