UVA names new dean of students

UVA’s new dean of students and senior associate vice president for student affairs didn’t travel far for the role; Nicole R. Hall has been UVA’s associate vice president for career and professional development since 2023.

In March, Hall replaced interim Cedric B. Rucker (Grad class of ’84), who is retiring but will support Hall as a special adviser until June. Rucker replaced Robyn Hadley in 2023 after she stepped down as dean of students and vice president for student affairs. Hall will report to Kenyon Bonner, UVA’s vice president and chief student affairs officer. 

Hall, who earned an MBA from Pepperdine and a doctorate in educational leadership and cultural foundations from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, previously served in leadership roles at UNC-G and Wake Forest and Pepperdine universities. She said she’s excited for the new challenge. 

“It’s an all-consuming role but I think in such a positive way, considering I will have the privilege of getting a chance to experience students in so many facets of their time here at UVA,” she said.