I am excited to share a significant step forward in how we support and engage our students, both personally and academically. As part of RPI Forward and our commitment to placing students at the center of all we do, the Student Experience portfolio has been reorganized to strengthen the connection between academic and student life. This strategic alignment enhances our ability to deliver a seamless, holistic experience that supports every RPI student. 

Over the past year, through ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders and reflection on our most important outcomes, this reorganization has taken shape to align fully with the core of our vision, mission, and values, and with our simple but powerful motto that guides everything we do: 

“We EDUCATE. We ENGAGE. We EMPOWER.” 

This motto reflects our deep commitment to supporting every student as they shape their unique path at RPI. By bringing key areas together, we are building a more cohesive and student-centered experience that empowers every individual to thrive both on campus and beyond.

To accomplish this goal, I’m pleased to share the new structure between seven key areas in Student Experience that will foster synergy, efficiency, collaboration, and consistency across campus: 

1. Student Engagement – Led by Charlie Potts, Director of the Rensselaer Union and Student Engagement, this team includes the Rensselaer Union, RecWell at the Mueller Center, Student Activities, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development.
2. Experiential Learning – Led by Philip Bruce, Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential Learning and Professional Development, this team encompasses Career Development, Employer Relations, Experiential Learning, and The Arch, supporting students in building meaningful professional pathways.
3. Student Success – Led by Lisa Trahan, Associate Vice Provost for Student Success, this group focuses on academic support, retention, and fostering a sense of belonging. It also includes the First-Year, Sophomore, Graduate, and Transfer Experiences, Disability Support Services, International Services, and Education Abroad.
4. Dean of Students – Led by Ryan Keytack, Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students, this team provides basic needs student support and manages the student conduct process, crisis response, Title IX support, prevention initiatives, and services for off-campus students.
5. Student Living and Learning – Led by John Lawler, Director of Student Living and Learning, this area includes Residential Life, Living and Learning Communities, and Housing Operations, enhancing the on-campus living experience.
6. Student Health and Wellness – This team includes Student Health, Counseling, Athletic Training, and RPI Ambulance. A national search is currently underway for a new Associate Vice Provost to lead this critical area.
7. Religious and Spiritual Life – Led by RPI Chaplain Jordan Lenaghan, this initiative fosters interfaith understanding and personal growth through seven key vectors: Literacy, Advocacy, Social Justice, Values, Community, and Perspective. 

This realignment reflects our shared goals within the RPI Forward Plan, to ensure that every student is empowered, supported, and prepared to thrive during their time at RPI.

Thank you for your continued support as we take this important step forward, together. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to the Student Experience team.

Sincerely,

Rob Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice Provost for the Student Experience