Susanna Westberg, a member of the Student Affairs team at Guilford College for 19 and a half years, has been appointed Dean of Students, and Donovan Smith has been named Director of Residential Education and Housing.
Both are serving interim appointments effective June 17. Susanna was Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residential Education the past five years, and Donovan was Assistant Director of Residential Education and Housing during the same period.
The two administrative changes were announced by Provost Maria Rosales June 14. Student Affairs has been in the Provost’s division since 2018.
Steve Mencarini, Dean of Students the past six years, was appointed Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Retention earlier this month. With his move, there are shifts in responsibilities in the Provost’s area involving Susanna, Donovan and other staff members.
In her new role, Susanna will lead those who tend to the concerns of student life on campus, work collaboratively with academic affairs to support wraparound care for all students and continue to oversee the student conduct processes.
“Susanna brings a wealth of experience, understanding of processes and ideas for how to improve them, along with strong connections to students and colleagues. She combines creativity and carefulness in everything she does,” Maria said.
She joined Guilford in 2005 as an Residential Life area coordinator and was named Director of Residential Education and Housing in 2008. She served as an assistant women’s lacrosse coach for nine years until 2014.
Susanna earned a B.A. in Studio Arts from Hobart and William Smith Colleges (N.Y.) in 2002 and an M.A. in Liberal Studies from UNCG in 2010.
In his role, Donovan will oversee the residential experience and communities including housing logistics and programming. He will foster student leadership development in the Resident Advisor and Assistant Community Director programs.
“Donovan’s skills and expertise make him a superb fit for this role,” said Maria.
He worked as a residence coordinator at UNC Wilmington before joining Guilford in 2019 as Assistant Director. He earned his B.A. and M.Ed. from UNCW.
Maria will announce changes in responsibility for other members of the Student Affairs and Provost’s Office team soon.