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UVA hires Pitt’s student affairs veep

By Ed Miller

Kenyon Bonner, new vice president and chief student affairs officer
Kenyon Bonner, vice provost for student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, has been named UVA’s new vice president and chief student affairs officer. Emily Faith Morgan, University Communications

Leaving an equivalent post at the University of Pittsburgh and bringing 19 years’ experience, Kenyon Bonner will take over as UVA’s vice president and chief student affairs officer in mid-January.

“The UVA student experience is already very special,” Bonner said in a news release. “I’m looking forward to knowing more about the areas of strength, and of course the areas where we have an opportunity to improve the way students experience UVA.”

Bonner, his family’s first college graduate, played on the men’s basketball team at Washington and Jefferson College and earned a bachelor’s in psychology and philosophy in 1994. He holds a Master of Education in rehabilitation counseling from Kent State University and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

Bonner joined Pitt’s Division of Student Affairs in 2004 as assistant director of Residence Life and became vice provost in 2016. He helped establish Pitt’s Office of New Student Programs, expanded student mental health services, developed an anti-racism action plan and led the development of a new recreation and wellness center.

A familiar figure on and off campus, he reached out to off-campus students feeling isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, walking around the neighborhood where many live handing out masks and checking on their well-being.

“He’s as kind and genuine as he is talented,” University of Virginia President James E. Ryan (Law ’92) said in the news release.

Bonner said his first assignment is to listen and learn.

“I bring a lot of perspective and experience, but I’m also very cognizant of moving into a new community and reserving my initial thoughts so I can first listen, learn and understand.”

Bonner will replace Dr. Chris Holstege, the interim vice president since Robyn S. Hadley resigned in August after her second year. Holstege will resume leadership of UVA Student Health. Cedric B. Rucker (Grad ’84) will continue as the interim dean of students through the academic year.