Student success expert hired
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University has named a Marymount University administrator as associate provost for student success.
David Wilmes, the dean of student success at Marymount, will join SRU starting July 11.
SRU President Cheryl Norton said in a news release she expects big things from Wilmes, who has served in his career as a first-year student mentor, residence hall director, academic adviser, career strategies course instructor and parent program coordinator.
“I have every confidence that his past success and experience will help him foster fresh ideas and innovative programs,” Norton said.
Wilmes said he wants to improve retention and graduation rates at SRU, and build on what he called an already-healthy atmosphere for students.
“It was clear from the students, faculty and staff ... that the university is a strong community dedicated to student success,” Wilmes said in a news release.
The university said Wilmes will oversee academic services, residential programming and student retention services, as well as programs for special populations and student health and wellness. He will earn $125,000 annually and pledged to engage students in the process.
“Their thoughts, ideas and questions will help guide the work we do to ensure that all students can succeed,” he said.
In his position at Marymount Wilmes oversees the university’s assessment and strategic planning efforts, with 80 full-time employees and a budget of more than $3 million.
Wilmes also worked at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, Goucher College, the University of New Hampshire and Bowling Green State University.
