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JU’s Gover named dean of students

Kristie Gover, Jacksonville University’s dean of students and director of retention services

By Kevin Hogencamp/Jacksonville University

Dr. Kristie S. Gover, who has served in leadership capacities at Jacksonville University for nearly 10 years, has been named JU’s dean of students.

Gover has been JU’s dean of student development since July 2011. She served as assistant dean of students from May 2005 to June 2011 and director of residential life from June 2003 to May 2005.

Gover also is JU’s director of retention services, a position she will maintain.

“Kristie has an exceptional record of proven leadership at JU,” said JU President Tim Cost. “She has consistently demonstrated that improving the student experience and maximizing the opportunities for our students’ success is paramount to her and the University. The JU community is fortunate to have her stepping up as our dean of students.”

Gover succeeds Dr. Bryan Coker, who has been hired as vice president and dean of students at Goucher College in Baltimore, Md. Coker served as JU’s dean of students since 2003, spearheading numerous initiatives that have had a major impact on campus life.

“I am very excited about serving our campus community in a new capacity,” Gover said. “I am fortunate to have worked under Bryan Coker’s leadership for over nine years. I learned a great deal from his leadership and mentorship (and) am looking forward to building on the momentum that was initiated by President (Kerry) Romesburg and leaders in Student Life.

“I continue to be excited about working at Jacksonville University because of the potential that lies ahead and the energy that will accompany the arrival of President (Tim) Cost. I am most excited about the further development of our riverfront property. I believe we have an amazing opportunity to create a vibrant social climate on campus (and) truly enhance the student experience.”

Gover said her peers and the JU administration have contributed immeasurably to her professional development.

“My colleagues have supported me through the completion of my doctoral degree and now my third role at Jacksonville University,” she said. “Having supervisors who believe in you, recognize your hard work and reward you accordingly is incredibly motivating and encouraging. I am very fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best professionals in the field of higher education.”

As dean of students, Gover’s duties will include supervising the student conduct system, student government and traditional student affairs such as residential life, student involvement and leadership, orientation and Greek life. She also leads the university’s retention-focused initiatives and presents retention-related programs and data to the Enrollment and Retention Subcommittee.

Gover serves on the Board of Trustees Student Life Subcommittee, the Quality Enhancement Plan Committee and the Common Reading Committee; and she was on the leadership team for the planning and construction of Oak Hall, the $30 million, 500-bed student residence hall completed in 2007. Her other significant contributions at JU include representing the university at the 2010-11 Senior Leadership Academy co-sponsored by the American Academic Leadership Institute and Council of Independent Colleges; and leading JU in the development of the Student Solutions Center, Freshmen Leadership Retreat and summer orientation program.

Among her honors, Gover was selected as the Jacksonville University 2012 Woman of the Year and was a Council of Independent Colleges 2010 Senior Leadership Academy participant. Also, she received the 2010 John A. Sullivan Leadership Award for Excellence in Leadership and Service, the 2010 International Student Association Advisor of the Year honor, the 2009 Service Excellence Award, and the 2007 Residential Life Distinguished Service Award.

Gover obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Louisville (Ky.), and a doctor of education degree from the University of North Florida. She worked as coordinator of residence life from 2001 to 2003 at the University of South Carolina; and as graduate residence hall director from 1999-2001 and Office of Admissions graduate assistant from 2000 to 2001 at the University of Louisville.

 

4 comments

  1. This is truely an awesome choice, congulations Mrs. Gover.

  2. Congrats Kristie Gover! Over the past three years, working with you during New Student Orientation and working with Smyth and Addie at WLPS, I can definitely say that JU couldn’t have made a better choice! I look forward to seeing what else you have to offer JU.

  3. Congratulations Dr. Gover,

    The right woman for the job! You deserve great things! Go Dolphins!

  4. Heather Croteau-Zier

    Congrats Kristie! I am so happy for you. There are endless possibilites for JU’s future are endless with your amazing leadership.