Dear Members of the University Community,

I am pleased to announce that after a national search, Judi Biggs Garbuio, Ph.D., has accepted the position of vice president for student affairs, effective January 1. Judi stood out among several excellent candidates for her stellar academic credentials as well as her extensive experience in key leadership positions at a number of top-rated universities. She currently serves as the associate provost for student development at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Judi will oversee the University’s student affairs programs, which include the Office of the Dean of Students, the Counseling Center, Residence Life, Student Health Services, Disability Support, the Center for Academic and Career Success, the Center for Cultural Engagement, Campus Activities, Student Conduct, and Athletics. She will also assist our Division of University Advancement to promote the student success priorities of Light the Way: The Campaign for Catholic University.

At Gonzaga, Judi made it a priority to be actively engaged with students. She implemented wellness walks with students, and dined regularly in the student cafeteria. These initiatives brought her into contact with a wide variety of student voices, and helped her to adjust the work of her office to better fit the needs of the students. It is clear that Judi genuinely loves interacting with students.

Judi has demonstrated the ability to think creatively about how to meet student needs in ways that both build upon existing resources and create new ones. We look forward to working with her on expanding our Center for Academic and Career Success, providing more resources for first generation students and students with disabilities, and overseeing the construction of our new dining facility.

Before arriving at Gonzaga in 2013, Judi served as the associate dean of students at the University of Southern California for 12 years. She served a total of 23 years at USC in positions of increasing responsibility. Judi also brings with her experience from serving at Arizona State University, and Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Born in Kingman, Kansas, Judi has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. She has a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Policy Planning and Administration from the University of Southern California.

Judi and her husband Ben have two college-aged children, Caleb and Joshua. Caleb is a junior at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, and Joshua is a sophomore at the University of Southern California.

Judi brings an impressive level of preparation to the position of vice president for student affairs. A lifelong Catholic, Judi understands and embraces this University’s distinctive mission. We will benefit from her knowledge and expertise. I ask that you join me in welcoming Judi and offering her your prayers, encouragement, and other support in the years to come.

Sincerely,
John Garvey