Kenyon Bonner Is Named Pitt’s New Vice Provost and Dean of Students

PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson announce that Kenyon Bonner is the University’s new Vice Provost and Dean of Students, effective March 1, 2016.

Bonner has served as Interim Vice Provost and Dean of Students since January 2015 and has played an important role in the success of Student Affairs during that time. Under his leadership, Student Affairs has continued to build programs to enhance the student experience, strengthen student services, and create an environment in which all Pitt students can reach their potential and develop the foundation they will need to lead lives of impact.

Bonner joined the University in 2004 as the assistant director of residence life and has assumed additional responsibilities over the years. Prior to his interim appointment, he served as Pitt’s associate dean of students for seven years, director of student life for 11 years, and director of the RISE Mentoring Program. Before his arrival at Pitt, Bonner served in multiple roles within the Department of Residence Services at Kent State University, where he had completed his master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy at Washington & Jefferson College.

“Over his 12 years at Pitt, Kenyon has collaborated with academic colleagues, student organizations, administrative units, and community partners to enhance the student experience. His leadership has been demonstrated through his significant contributions to the development, implementation, and ongoing assessment of Pitt’s most innovative and successful co-curricular programs,” says Beeson. 

His many roles at the University have included serving as the liaison to the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee; member of the Council of Deans, the University Senate Council, and the Undergraduate Education Task Force; and co-chair of the Enrollment Management Committee. He regularly presents at various venues in his field of higher-education administration. Over the years, Bonner has received honors and awards such as Who’s Who in Black Pittsburgh Honoree in 2015, the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University of Pittsburgh in 2013, the New Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40 Under 40 in 2010, and the Kent State University EMSA Employee of Excellence Award in 2000. 

“His vision for Student Affairs is well matched to our efforts in preparing Pitt students to lead lives of impact and helping to propel the University to the next tier of excellence,” says Beeson. “He is committed to continuing to lead Student Affairs in supporting a campus community that facilitates diversity and inclusion, as well as learning inside and outside the classroom. Kenyon’s vision for promoting and fostering innovative ideas and practices will both strengthen and expand the University’s activities and success in these areas.”

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