Marywood University Appoints New VP for the Student Experience

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., has appointed Jeffrey Kegolis, Ph.D., to the position of vice president for the student experience (VPSE), effective July 6, 2023. 

“Dr. Kegolis brings an understanding of our culture and mission, as well as a wealth of expertise in serving students directly,” stated Sister Mary Persico, IHM. “This is exciting work that gets to the heart of who we are in our efforts to put students first.” The areas within the Student Experience include: the Office of Student Engagement, Housing and Residence Life, Student Health Services, the Counseling/Student Development Center, Retention and Advising, and the Dean of Students. 

Dr. Kegolis’ career in higher education spans more than two decades and features extensive experience in multiple areas of student services, including leadership programs, campus engagement/activities, residence life, fraternity and sorority life, and student conduct, among others. His passion throughout his career has focused upon helping others, where he served as a cluster facilitator for Leadershape©, presented to student leaders at the National Association of Australian University Colleges, Inc. (i.e., NAAUC), served for multiple years on the planning committee for The Placement Exchange (i.e., TPE), and developed and facilitated a customized communication module of leadership training, “Fundamentals of Leadership,”​ for Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.

Dr. Kegolis most recently served as the director for student conduct and assessment at The University of Scranton. Prior to that, while at Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, he was an assistant dean of students in the office of campus activities, and later an assistant dean of students in the office of the dean of students. Additionally, he was an assistant professor of psychology at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. where he also began his professional career in higher education as an assistant director of residence life.

Dr. Kegolis earned his Ph.D. degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University. He also is a graduate of Marywood University, where he earned a master of science degree in counselor education with secondary school certification. He holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology with a neuroscience concentration from King’s College.