Niagara University names Hearn vice president for student life

Kevin Hearn, Ed.D., has been appointed as vice president for student life at Niagara University following a nationwide search. Hearn possesses nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as the associate vice president at Dean College in Franklin, Mass. He will assume his new position at Niagara on Jan. 1, 2011.

"We are very pleased to be able to add a person of Kevin's entrepreneurial spirit, passion for excellence and proven ability to work effectively in partnership with faculty, alumni, trustees, parents and students," said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University. "He will play a critical role in continuing to develop the many factors that lead to the success of our students. And, as a member of our senior management team, he will play an integral role in helping to shape the vision of the university going forward."

As vice president for student life at Niagara, Hearn will assume a leadership role in the continuing transformation of student life for undergraduate and graduate students living on and off campus. He will have direct responsibilities for residential life, health and counseling services, campus activities, international and multicultural services, judicial affairs, the campus recreation center, and undergraduate, graduate and part-time student life programs.

"I am very excited to begin the next chapter of my professional life at a values-based institution like Niagara University," stated Hearn. "The opportunity to lead Niagara's dynamic team in promoting student success while providing strategic leadership toward the growth and development of innovative and inclusive student programs is one that I welcome with open arms."

"As a student-focused, strategic leader, Kevin will be a wonderful addition to the many successful programs and activities that Niagara offers its students," said Dr. Bonnie Rose, Niagara's executive vice president and vice president of academic affairs. "I also want to recognize the work of the search committee, and the many people involved in the search process. Because of their tireless work we are rewarded with a vice president who brings great experience and expertise to Niagara University."

Hearn was named associate vice president at Dean College in July 2008 after spending the previous eight years as the college's associate dean of students and, later, as its assistant vice president for academic and student services. He concurrently served as an adjunct faculty member at Dean College and within the education and human services department of Suffolk University in Boston. Previously, Hearn had worked in various administrative positions for Nazareth College, Bryant University, Syracuse University and the University of Pittsburgh.

In terms of professional associations, Hearn was the Massachusetts state director for NASPA, the nation's largest association for student services and programs, from 2006 to 2010, and currently chairs publicity and promotions efforts for the organization's 2011 National Conference in Philadelphia.

Hearn holds a B.A. in social science from Le Moyne College (Syracuse), an M.A. in counseling and educational psychology from Rhode Island College (Providence, R.I.) and a doctorate of education from Nova Southeastern University (Miami.). His doctoral dissertation focused on assessing and examining the effectiveness of academic support programs as a measure of persistence, retention and academic performance.