COTC, OSU-Newark announce new dean of students

NEWARK ― Dr. John Davenport has been appointed as dean of students/director of student life for Central Ohio Technical College and Ohio State University-Newark.

As dean of students/director of student life, Davenport will be responsible for working collaboratively with senior leadership to create a campus culture that promotes student success, provides a safe and welcoming campus environment for a diverse student body, and fosters a sense of community among the students. Additionally, he will provide leadership and strategic direction to all student life units including counseling services, disability services, career services, multicultural affairs, student activities and recreational sports.

"John emerged from a pool of highly qualified candidates, and we are thrilled he has accepted," said COTC President Dr. John Berry. "John brings the experience and leadership to help us take the student experience to new heights," added Dr. William MacDonald, OSU-Newark dean and director.

Dr. Davenport comes to Newark from Illinois State University, where he served the last five years as assistant vice president/dean of students. He spent 10 years in residential life and 16 years overall in the Dean of Students office. His experiences ranged from coordinating crisis response teams to facilitating various civic-engagement initiatives and advising multiple student organizations.

Davenport has also served on the Board of the UNITY Community Center and the Mclean County Museum of History, been the lead facilitator for the Passport to Manhood program at a local Boys and Girls Club, volunteered at the YMCA, and served as the chair of the Champaign-Urbana Guide Right mentoring program.

"Since beginning my student affairs career, I’ve dedicated myself to serving students and helping them to maximize their potential," said Davenport. “I plan to continue this work here at Ohio State Newark and COTC and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues while continuing to learn and grow."

Davenport holds a PhD in Education from Illinois State University, an MS in Education with a specialty in college student personnel from Eastern Illinois University and a BA in Sociology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

A national search began in May 2022 for the COTC-OSU-Newark job.

"Our thanks go to the search committee of faculty and staff led by Vice President and Chief of Staff Jackie Parrill," Dr. Berry added. "Their work has led to the best possible choice for this position and our institutions moving forward. We also want to thank Dr. Parrill, who has served as our interim chief student affairs officer for the past several months. We are grateful for her leadership and look forward to her continued service to our institutions."

COTC operates four full-service campus locations in Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.

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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: COTC, OSU-Newark announce new dean of students