On Nov. 18, Williams will return for the world premiere of Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth, an adventurous new composition written specifically for Lawrence’s woodwind faculty. The performance marks another chapter in a relationship that has continued to grow long after his time as a student. 

For Williams, that relationship began almost entirely by chance. 

Growing up in Chicago, Williams imagined attending a large university. While waiting to speak with representatives from Harvard at a college fair, his mother wandered over to a table representing a small liberal arts college in Wisconsin. She encouraged him to take a closer look. 

“I really loved the small campus and just the personable nature of everyone who I met,” Williams recalled. 

That unexpected introduction would set the course for a career that has taken his music around the world. 

Finding his voice at Lawrence 

Williams arrived at Lawrence intending to become a music educator, pursuing music education and trombone performance while studying composition on the side. Through the encouragement of faculty mentors and opportunities to explore different musical disciplines, he began to recognize his passion for composing. 

He credits faculty members including Joanne Metcalf, Asha Srinivasan, and former Director of Bands Andrew Mast with helping him develop his musical voice. 

“They supported me every step of the way, even when I had like really crazy ideas,” Williams said. 

Williams participated in nearly every ensemble he could, from wind ensemble and symphonic band to jazz, orchestra, and choir. Through the McNair Scholars Program, he also discovered a passion for teaching that helped him envision a future as both a composer and professor. 

After Lawrence, Williams pursued graduate studies at Bowling Green State University and earned his doctorate at the University of Cincinnati. His music has since been performed by renowned ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Yet throughout those accomplishments, Lawrence has remained a constant. 

A connection that keeps bringing him home 

Williams has returned to Lawrence in several capacities, including a faculty appointment and performances of his original compositions. In 2024, he composed a work for wind ensemble and organ celebrating the Conservatory of Music’s 150th anniversary, an experience he considers a career highlight. 

His continued connection to Lawrence is rooted as much in its people as its music. 

“A lot of the first people who supported my music were people I went to Lawrence with,” Williams said. “And the fact that Lawrence keeps bringing me back is just so, so great because they have really supported my career.” 

Now, he welcomes opportunities to extend that same support to current students, offering guidance, sharing connections, and encouraging young musicians to explore their own paths. 

A new sound for a familiar stage 

His latest collaboration began with a message from Lawrence clarinet professor Andy Hudson, who shared that the woodwind faculty wanted Williams to compose a concerto grosso, a work featuring multiple soloists. 

The invitation immediately captured Williams’ imagination. He had never written a concerto for more than two soloists, much less one combining a woodwind quintet with an entire wind ensemble. 

Around that same time, a student introduced Williams to progressive metal after recognizing similarities between his compositional style and the genre. Williams began exploring bands including Haken and Animals as Leaders, finding inspiration in their complex rhythms and dramatic sounds. 

The result is Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth, a composition that brings the intensity of progressive metal into the concert hall. 

The piece calls on musicians to employ unconventional techniques that mimic wailing voices and grinding teeth. Woodwind players will use vocal effects and tongue clicks, while powerful percussion and instrumental textures evoke the sounds of electric guitars. 

The world premiere will feature the ����vlog Wind Ensemble, directed by Ceon D. Rumphs, with Conservatory faculty soloists Erin Lesser on flute, Andrea Hixon on oboe, Andy Hudson on clarinet, Joseph Connor on saxophone, and Brigit Pacher on bassoon. 

The Nov. 18 program will also feature Williams’ Lux Aeterna, performed by the ����vlog Symphonic Band with Williams serving as guest conductor. 

Still finding inspiration at Lawrence 

For Williams, the upcoming premiere represents the chance to try something entirely new in the same environment that first encouraged him to push creative boundaries. 

“Lawrence was a place that really encouraged me to experiment a lot,” he said. “My teachers were always pushing me to try new things in my music and not to stay stagnant and be comfortable.” 

That encouragement extended beyond music. Williams remembers exploring government, science, mathematics, and other liberal arts disciplines, discovering unexpected connections that continue to influence his compositions today. 

Nearly 15 years after graduating, he still finds himself inspired by the place where his musical journey took flight. 

“Lawrence is still encouraging me to experiment with my music and try new things,” Williams said. “And so to try this new thing and bring it back to the Lawrence stage, that’s actually really special to me.” 

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As managing director of Lawrence’s Business and Entrepreneurship Center, Snyder works to connect students with professionals, alumni, entrepreneurs, and opportunities throughout the Fox Valley. Her goal is to help students see how their interests and experiences can translate into meaningful careers, regardless of their academic background. 

“My job is to help bring those worlds together,” Snyder said. “We have incredibly talented students, dedicated faculty, accomplished alumni, and a community full of professionals who have so much knowledge and experience to share.” 

Snyder’s path to Lawrence wasn’t necessarily a straight line. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from Bowling Green State University before spending several years with gener8tor, where she worked with entrepreneurs, startups, corporate partners, and community organizations through accelerator programming. 

Those experiences helped shape her relationship-driven approach to leadership and reinforced the importance of making connections. 

“Some of the most valuable things you can offer someone aren’t necessarily financial resources or technical expertise, but rather an introduction, a conversation, encouragement, or simply someone who believes in what they’re trying to accomplish,” she said. 

That philosophy carries into her work at Lawrence, where Snyder sees opportunities to connect students’ liberal arts experiences with a wide range of professional fields. Through initiatives such as Music and Entrepreneurship Week and Career Insight Carousel events, she creates opportunities for students to explore industries, meet professionals, and begin building relationships that can extend well beyond their time on campus. 

She also hopes students recognize the opportunities available right here in the Fox Valley. 

“We have so many incredible businesses, organizations, and opportunities right here in the Fox Valley, and I want Lawrence students to recognize that they don’t necessarily have to leave the area to build an exciting and meaningful career,” Snyder said. 

Looking ahead, Snyder hopes to continue expanding the Business and Entrepreneurship Center’s presence both on campus and throughout the region, with an emphasis on alumni engagement, connections with young professionals, and interactive opportunities for students to explore different career paths. 

For Snyder, the Future 15 recognition is both a meaningful personal milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the people who have supported her along the way. She credits her family and friends for their encouragement throughout her education and professional journey and feels fortunate to work in a community that values collaboration and connection. 

Ultimately, she hopes to help make the Fox Valley a place where people recognize the possibilities around them and feel empowered to pursue them. 

“If I can play even a small role in helping someone discover their potential, build a relationship that changes their career, or recognize an opportunity they didn’t know existed, I consider that a success,” she said. 

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Hosted by ����vlog’s Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL) office, the event will feature hundreds of illuminated paper lanterns displayed along campus pathways, each representing a donation to support communities affected by recent tornadoes across the Fox Cities.

All proceeds will benefit the United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Community Response Fund, which supports immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Menasha, Neenah, Fox Crossing, Appleton, and other impacted communities.

Community members can sponsor a paper lantern through the event’s online fundraising page. As part of the sponsorship, donors may request a personalized message to be written on their lantern. Messages can honor loved ones, offer encouragement, share words of hope, commemorate special memories, or recognize those affected by the tornadoes.

“One small light can represent hope, remembrance, encouragement, or support,” Dakota McKee, director of student engagement, activities, and leadership, said. “Together, those lights create a powerful symbol of a community coming together to help its neighbors.”

On the evening of the event, attendees will be invited to walk Lawrence’s illuminated pathways, view the lantern displays, read messages left by community members, and search for their own sponsored lanterns. Complimentary hot cider and cocoa will be available throughout the evening.

McKee emphasized that community members do not need to sponsor a lantern to attend the event.

The initiative was created in response to the widespread impact of recent tornadoes across the Fox Cities. Beyond fundraising, the event is intended to provide an opportunity for connection, reflection, and community support during the recovery process.  

How to Participate
Paper lantern sponsorships can be made online at:

Donors will have the opportunity to submit a personalized message on the donation confirmation page. All messages must be appropriate for public display and may be reviewed before placement on lanterns.

Those wishing to make a cash donation may do so through Nov. 6 at the Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership Office on the fourth floor of the Warch Campus Center, 711 E. Boldt Way, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Event Details

• What: Light! More Light! For Menasha
• When: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
• Rain Date: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
• Where: ����vlog campus, Appleton
• Cost: Free and open to the public
• Beneficiary: United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Community Response Fund

About the Event
Each sponsored paper lantern represents an individual act of generosity, remembrance, encouragement, or hope. Together, the lanterns will illuminate the Lawrence campus while helping fund recovery and rebuilding efforts for Fox Cities communities affected by the recent tornadoes.

Light a path. Share a message. Support our neighbors.

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To many, Bob was a business leader, mentor, author, community champion, and trusted friend. But beneath the titles and accomplishments was a man who carried forward one of the most enduring lessons of a Lawrence education: that success is not only measured by what is achieved, but by how those achievements are used to serve others.

“Bob believed deeply in the transformative power of education, the importance of community, and our responsibility to invest in the success of others,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “His influence can be seen in the strategic progress of the university and in projects such as Fox Commons and Hall Commons, but his greatest legacy is the example he set through a life dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and service. We are profoundly grateful for all he gave to Lawrence, to Northeast Wisconsin, and to the countless people whose lives were enriched by his friendship, guidance, and belief in their potential.”

Born and raised in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, Bob arrived at Lawrence to study chemistry, but he found more than an education. At Lawrence, Bob found an intellectual home and a community that would help shape the rest of his life.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1974, Bob built an extraordinary career that crossed industries and disciplines. He began as a research chemist at Dow Chemical U.S.A., then moved into the beverage industry at J. Schlitz Brewing Company, before rising through the ranks at Consolidated Papers, Inc. and Appleton Papers, Inc., to serve as Vice President of Manufacturing.

His next area of service was at The Boldt Company, where Bob spent over two decades helping guide one of Wisconsin’s most respected firms through a period of transformational growth. As president and chief operating officer, he helped expand Boldt’s geographic reach and market sectors while overseeing a critical ownership transition. Under his leadership, the company grew into a national construction, consulting, and technical services enterprise with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion.

In 2010, he founded Limitless, a leadership consultancy through which he continued coaching executives, mentoring emerging leaders, and helping organizations navigate changes. He also shared his insights through three books: Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership, Transforming Leaders into Progress Makers, and Leading with Care in a Tough World.

The impact of Bob’s leadership extended far beyond any one company. A co-founder and co-chair of New North, he helped shape a collaborative vision for economic growth and development across Northeastern Wisconsin. He served on numerous civic, educational, corporate, and nonprofit boards, lending his expertise where it could strengthen organizations and create opportunities for others.

His contributions earned widespread recognition, including ����vlog’s Collaboration in Action Award, the Paul and Elaine Groth Mentoring Award, and induction into the Fox Cities Business Hall of Fame. Yet those who knew Bob best often pointed not to his accolades, but to the way he treated people.

Colleagues remembered a man who listened carefully, valued different perspectives, and had an uncommon gift for helping others recognize potential in themselves.

Those qualities defined every aspect of his life. Bob invested deeply in people. He viewed leadership not as authority, but as responsibility. Success was not measured solely by personal achievement, but by the opportunities created for others.

At the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Bob’s impact was especially profound. His leadership helped secure the organization’s future, ensuring that generations of children and families would continue to have opportunities to learn, explore, and discover. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he became only the second person named a board member for life.

Over the years, Bob’s commitment to Lawrence was deep and enduring. He served as a class agent, reunion volunteer, Giving Day supporter, member of the President’s Advisory Council, and participant in the university’s Corporate Partnership Program. He also served on the Trustee Committee for Life After Lawrence as a non-trustee member-at-large and helped create opportunities for Lawrence students and graduates through internships, mentorship, and employment. Bob played an instrumental role in advancing major campus initiatives, including the development of Fox Commons and Hall Commons. His ability to bring people together around a shared vision and support for projects is an impact that continues to shape Lawrence.

His final book, Leading with Care in a Tough World, feels particularly fitting. It was not simply a title. It reflected the way he approached leadership and life.

He led with care.

He served with humility.

He mentored with generosity.

And he lived with purpose.

Bob used his talents to strengthen the communities around him and improve the lives of others. His legacy lives on in the organizations he guided, the communities he strengthened, the students he encouraged, the leaders he developed, and the countless lives he positively impacted.

Most of all, his legacy lives on in the example he set that a life well lived is defined not by what is accumulated for oneself, but by what is given to others.

As the Lawrence community reflects on Bob’s remarkable life, the university’s thoughts remain with Debbie and all those mourning his loss. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, the values he embodied, curiosity, humility, service, generosity, and care for others, will continue to inspire future generations.

For generations to come, Lawrence students and alumni can look to Bob’s life and see what is possible when intellect is matched with character, achievement with humility, and leadership with service.

Memorial services will be held privately. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the or the , in keeping with Bob’s lifelong commitment to building up the people and places he loved.

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As the physical campus has evolved and grown over the years, Lawrence’s mission has remained steadfast: to provide students with a liberal arts education that prepares them not only to face challenges but to conquer them and light more light in the world. Giving Day served as a powerful reminder that support for that mission extends far beyond campus and continues to be championed by Lawrentians across the globe—as Lawrentians everywhere help carry its mission forward.

A Little Lawrence Love Goes a Long Way

Giving Day donations arrived from 45 states, demonstrating the broad reach and enduring strength of the Lawrence community and showing that meaningful support extends far beyond campus. The Lawrentian community stretched well beyond U.S. borders, with gifts arriving from Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Ghana.

Whether located in Appleton or halfway around the world, Lawrentians continued to demonstrate their connection to Lawrence, its mission, and one another. Each gift reflected a shared commitment to supporting students and strengthening the community. Every contribution highlighting that the Lawrence experience extends beyond campus and unites generations of Lawrentians through a shared sense of purpose.

Class Spirit on Full Display

Giving Day also provided an opportunity for Lawrentians to celebrate their class pride, and several class years answered the call in impressive fashion.

The Class of 1978 led the way with 40 donors, followed by the Class of 1972 with 38 and the Class of 1973 with 36 donors, a testament to the lasting bond many alumni maintain with Lawrence.

Generosity took many forms throughout the day. The Class of 1970 delivered one of the most notable efforts, with 33 donors contributing a combined $44,225. The results underscored the impact a dedicated group of Lawrentians can have when rallying behind a common cause.

Together, alumni from across generations demonstrated the enduring spirit and commitment that continues to define the Lawrence community.

Students Brought the Energy

Giving Day was not limited to online giving. Throughout the day, students participated in activities and challenges designed to unlock additional support while celebrating the Lawrence experience.

The festivities began with Plinko Trivia, which drew enthusiastic participation and helped set an energetic tone for the day.

Candy Grams outside Andrew Commons proved especially popular as students wrote messages of encouragement and appreciation to fellow students as well as faculty and staff members. The activity served as a reminder that generosity can be expressed in many ways, including simple acts of kindness.

Students also embraced the opportunity to record video thank-you messages, sharing reflections on the campus resources, programs, and experiences made possible in part through donor generosity. Their voices provide a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact philanthropy has on the student experience.

Together, the activities brought Giving Day to life on campus, connecting donor support with the everyday experiences that make Lawrence distinctive.

Spreading the Word, Sharing the Spirit

Giving Day advocates played an important role in extending the celebration, generating 181 clicks and 28 gifts through their outreach efforts. every shared post, conversation, and personal invitation helped expand awareness and encourage participation.

The success of Giving Day also reflected the efforts of numerous volunteers and supporters who dedicated their time and energy throughout the day. From assisting with campus activities to encouraging participation and sharing enthusiasm for Lawrence, their contributions helped create a memorable experience for the entire community.

Thank You, Lawrentians

Lawrentians came together in remarkable fashion for the university’s 13th annual Giving Day. Together, 1,719 donors raised $2,037,556 for the Lawrence Fund, surpassing our $2 million goal.

From students energizing campus activities to alumni sharing Lawrence memories and vintage memorabilia, Giving Day highlighted the many ways the Lawrence community remains connected through a shared commitment to the university and its students.

While Giving Day lasts just 24 hours, its impact extends far beyond a single day. Every gift, every shared memory, every kind message, and every act of volunteerism strengthens the people, programs, and experiences that define ����vlog and make it incredibly special.

The generosity of alumni, parents, students, friends, faculty, staff, advocates, and volunteers made this year’s Giving Day success possible. Their support helps ensure that future generations of Lawrentians can discover new passions, tackle significant challenges, and go on to light more light in the world.

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����vlog is deepening its investment in Wisconsin communities by expanding its Direct Admission Partnership program to more schools across the state. 

The effort builds on the university’s Direct Admission Partnership with Appleton Area School District, announced in 2025, which created a direct pathway to Lawrence for qualifying college-ready students. Since then, Lawrence has established partnerships with Winneconne High School, Kaukauna High School, Wayland Academy and Hmong American Peace Academy, with additional partnerships under development. 

“We know Wisconsin schools are preparing talented students everyday for their next step in education,” said Robert Nowak, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Lawrence. “We want to build on that work by recognizing students who have demonstrated academic achievement and college-readiness and give them a direct path to a nationally recognized liberal arts university.”

Through the partnership, schools identify qualifying students, support them to opt-in, and coordinate opportunities for students to visit Lawrence during their junior year. For students, the partnership offers an opportunity to begin exploring Lawrence earlier in their college search. They can visit campus, meet faculty and learn more about student life. 

In return, Lawrence offers qualifying students a streamlined admission process, individualized support, and a generous annual scholarship commitment, with additional merit- and need-based aid available. 

The expansion is part of broader efforts by Lawrence to strengthen its relationships with the communities it has served for generations. Lawrence has deep roots in the Fox Cities and throughout Wisconsin, where over 10,000 Lawrentians have gone on to live, work, and contribute to the communities around them. 

“We have a deep connection to this region and to Wisconsin,” said Emma Kane ’13, Director of School and University Partnerships at Lawrence. “Expanding Direct Admission Partnerships is a really intentional way for us to deepen those relationships and work alongside schools to recognize what their students have accomplished and invest in the next generation of Lawrentians.”

Lawrence will continue building Direct Admission Partnerships with high schools throughout the Fox Valley, across Wisconsin, and nationally.

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The celebration reflected a collaborative effort across campus. Carter Robinson, Lawrence’s director of community values, engagement and sustainability, helped organize the event alongside students involved in Earth Fest as part of a collaborative effort to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The event featured a keynote address by Jud Gauthier, Indigenous Studies Scholar in Residence; a powwow dance performance by dancers from the Oneida Nation; pizza; and cultural displays that encouraged attendees to engage with Indigenous traditions and perspectives.

Gauthier spoke about the deep historical and cultural connections between Wisconsin and the Indigenous nations that have called the region home for generations. Reflecting on the significance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, he emphasized the enduring presence and influence of Native communities throughout the state.

“The history of the region here is so tied into Menominee culture and Oneida and Stockbridge, Ho-Chunk, and all the other nations that are around,” Gauthier said.

The annual celebration serves as an opportunity for the Lawrence community to learn about and recognize Indigenous cultures while reflecting on the university’s connection to the lands on which its campuses are located. Through education, storytelling, and community gathering, the event highlights the importance of honoring both the history and continuing contributions of Indigenous peoples.

In recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Lawrence also reaffirmed its land acknowledgment:

����vlog’s Appleton and Door County campuses are located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee and Ho-Chunk peoples. Today, 11 federally recognized Native American sovereign nations are located in Wisconsin. We acknowledge these Indigenous communities, who have stewarded this land throughout generations, and pay respect to their elders, past and present.

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Under spectacular autumn skies, the weekend featured a full slate of activities, including athletic competitions, a petting zoo, dueling pianos, a bonfire, musical performances, reunion gatherings, fraternity and sorority events, Hub progress tours, the Hall of Fame dinner, and tailgating at the Banta Bowl. Alumni from multiple generations reconnected with classmates, engaged with current students, and renewed their connections to Lawrence traditions.

Dave Hill ’78 reflected on his years at ����vlog and said, “It’s wonderful to be back on campus. I’m quite impressed with the updates they’ve made.”

According to Fidel Ovalle ’28, being a Lawrentian means having pride in your team and showing up to support it. The support from Lawrentians in the stands was loud and enthusiastic. Between chants from the cheer team and music from the pep band, spirits stayed high and the crowd remained engaged until the very end.

The impact of the weekend extended far beyond the events themselves. Blue & White Homecoming served as a reminder of the enduring bonds that unite Lawrentians across generations, careers, and communities. It celebrated not only where Lawrence has been but also the many ways its alumni continue to make a difference in the world.

Relive the excitement of Blue & White Homecoming Weekend through this .

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The evening will begin with The Prelude, a pre-concert reception starting at 6 p.m. outside Harper Hall, where audience members can enjoy refreshments and hear insights about the program from conductors.

The concert brings together both Lawrence bands for a unified musical journey spanning American hymns, jazz, ragtime, spirituals, Indigenous influences, marches and other traditions that have shaped the nation’s musical identity.

“This concert is different than other conservatory concerts because there’s one universal theme that was responsible for the construction of the entire program from beginning to end,” said Ceon Rumphs, visiting assistant professor of music and Wind Ensemble conductor at ����vlog. “You get to hear distinctly American music, distinctly American sounds, and distinctly American composers all the way from the beginning to the end.”

The performance features 12 works, five by the Symphonic Band and seven by the Wind Ensemble, selected to reflect both the triumphs and the complexities of the American experience.

“America has a rich musical heritage, and this concert is an opportunity to celebrate that heritage,” said Matthew Arau, associate professor of music education and Symphonic Band conductor. “Within all of the American music we’re celebrating, there’s this richness of identity, of what it means to be an American.”

A highlight of the evening will be the appearance of guest conductor Kevin Sedatole, director of bands and professor of music at Michigan State University and one of the nation’s most respected wind conductors. He will rehearse with both ensembles and conduct selections during the concert.

“Dr. Kevin Sedatole is one of those figures who has been really influential and important in the development of the wind ensemble as a serious medium of performance,” Rumphs said. “It’s a wonderful chance for students to experience somebody who’s been so influential over his career.”

Arau said Sedatole’s presence will add another dimension to an already memorable event.

“He is a leader in the profession,” Arau said. “I’m excited for both bands to learn from someone who has dedicated his life to uplifting the wind band globally.”

Beyond the music, the conductors hope the program encourages reflection on shared community and connection.

“It’s our hope that this America 250 concert makes the audience think about community and how you are more similar to your neighbor than how you are different,” Rumphs said.

For those unable to attend in person at Memorial Chapel on Oct. 17, please join us via webcast: .

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����vlog is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis J. Perkins Jr. as its new Dean of Students, a leadership role focused on advancing student success, belonging, and well-being across the Lawrence community.  

Perkins Jr. joins Lawrence with more than 20 years of experience in shaping residential learning environments, student conduct systems, and campus engagement strategies. Most recently, he served as assistant dean of residence life and student conduct at Grinnell College. Throughout his career, he has strengthened campus partnerships, developed staff training programs, and implemented systems that enhanced safety and the overall student experience.  

“Dennis brings a deep understanding of student development and a genuine commitment to helping students succeed,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “His experience building inclusive communities, developing strong student support systems, and fostering meaningful engagement will strengthen the Lawrence experience and help our students learn, lead, and reach their full potential.” 

Throughout his career, Perkins has emphasized the importance of building high-performing teams that foster inclusive, student-centered environments where students can succeed, develop a sense of belonging, and thrive.  

“I am honored to serve as the next dean of students at ����vlog, Perkins said. “I look forward to partnering across the Lawrence community to create an engaging environment where students feel supported, equipped, and can realize their potential.” 

Perkins earned a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Indiana University, a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in college student development and counseling from Western Kentucky University, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh. Guided by four core leadership pillars, he seeks to balance care and accountability with collaboration, thoughtful innovation, and responsive support.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Dennis as our new dean of students, said Chris Clarke, vice president for student life. “Dennis is the right leader at the right time to enhance and advance our Student Life initiatives and further support the success and well-being of our students.” 

Perkins Jr. will officially assume his role on Oct. 26, 2026.

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