Dean of students candidate shares ideas on overcoming barriers to student success

A candidate for the vice provost and dean of students position said collaboration, high-impact programs and services, and utilizing planning and assessment to make good decisions are all ways to remove barriers to student success.

Gary Dickstein, interim vice president for Student Affairs at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, gave a public presentation and answered questions April 5 in the Kirkhof Center. 

Like other candidates, Dickstein was asked to present and share ideas on a topic relevant to student success. He said the definition of student success includes being culturally sophisticated, managing conflict, finding a passion or voice and being able to think critically, to name a few.

"It's important that students learn to be resilient and gritty, and to be able to make it through obstacles," said Dickstein. "Success means learning how to lead and learning how to follow."

Dickstein was named interim vice president in 2016 after serving as assistant vice president for Student Affairs since 2006 at Wright State. Before that, he served in various roles at Wright State, including director of Community Standards and Student Conduct, and director of Student Judicial Services and Greek Life. 

Dickstein received a bachelor's degree in social work from Western Michigan University, a master's degree in higher education from Wright State University and a doctorate in higher education administration from Ohio University. 

Final candidate presentation: 

• Marlene Kowalski-Braun: Friday, April 6, presentation from 1:30-2 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2204.