The Student Experience division welcomed Dawn Singleton, Ed.D., as the new vice president of student transition, access and inclusion on July 1. Singleton joins the Syracuse University community from Rowan University where she served in multiple leadership roles over the last 12 years, most recently as the assistant vice president for student success and inclusion programs.
Dawn Singleton
In this role, Singleton oversees New Student Programs, the Intercultural Collective—home to the Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center, Multicultural Affairs and Native Student Program, 113 Euclid, 119 Euclid (which transitioned to the Student Experience division upon Singleton’s arrival), and the Center for International Services. Singleton will also work to support the experience of graduate and professional students at the University. In addition, Singleton leads the division’s efforts surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, working closely with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
“Dawn’s career has been marked by an impressive track record of leading student-centered initiatives, improving outcomes and supporting diverse student populations, all guided by a strong commitment to students and enhancing their belonging, success and engagement. Her breadth of experience, leadership and passion for this work will contribute greatly to our ongoing efforts in fostering a University welcoming to all,” says Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves.
Singleton brings more than 15 years of higher education leadership experience at a variety of colleges and universities, with prior roles in residential life, student development, and student success and inclusion, but her passion for student affairs started even earlier during her time as a resident advisor while an undergraduate student. Throughout her experience, she has focused on building pathways for students from their first year to graduation, encouraging their persistence, retention and belonging. Her work has included launching and leading new programs to support student success outcomes, including creation of ASCEND (Achieving Success through Collaboration, Engagement and Determination) and the Center for Access, Persistence & Achievement (CAPA) at Rowan, guiding programs, services and resources to support first-generation and BIPOC students, and serving as a thought leader and operational partner for student success and diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives.
This comprehensive experience has provided her with a unique perspective on the ways in which we engage students across all facets of their experience, which is one of the reasons she was drawn to this role at Syracuse University.
“As the Student Experience division, our work is intentionally framed in a way that considers all the ways we engage students. Creating welcoming, supportive environments across their experience is critical to creating sense of belonging, which is the core focus and passion of my work,” says Singleton. “I am looking forward to learning about and being part of Orange traditions, experiencing the vibrancy of all that’s happening on campus, meeting students and being part of this community that has been so welcoming to me, and in turn, supporting each student in feeling that sense of belonging and welcoming so that they can achieve success.”
Singleton earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Rowan University. In addition to her experience as a student affairs leader, Singleton’s research has focused on intersectional analysis related to gender, ethnicity and culture, as related to the advancement of women in leadership roles within the U.S. and South Africa. She has also taught classes on topics in higher education and women’s and gender studies.
