David Nguyen named as University College Dean

Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs has announced that Dr. David J. Nguyen has been named as the next dean of University College.

Nguyen currently serves as associate professor of higher education and student affairs in Ohio University’s Department of Counseling and Higher Education, interim associate dean for research and graduate studies in the Patton College of Education, and the provost’s faculty fellow for student success.

He will begin his role as dean of University College on June 15, 2022.

“Selecting the next dean of University College was challenging because we had such a strong pool of candidates. Dave will be an excellent leader for University College,” Sayrs said. “His ability to integrate his academic research with practice to support student success and equity, combined with his vision for supporting and developing regional and interdisciplinary programs, will benefit the students, staff, and faculty of University College and the university as a whole.”

Since joining Ohio University in August 2016, Nguyen’s teaching and research interests have focused on access and equity issues in postsecondary education. While at OHIO, he has produced more than 60 publications and presentations focused on how campus ecology contributes to student success.

Prior to his time at OHIO, Nguyen worked in career services, orientation, and campus life functions at several institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Tufts University. Before pursuing a career within higher education, he also served as a senior tax consultant for PwC LLP (formerly PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP).

Nguyen earned his Ph.D. in higher, adult and lifelong education from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University, and a master’s degree in accounting and bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing management from Syracuse University.

The search committee was chaired by Vice President for Research and Creative Activity and Dean of the Graduate College Joe Shields and University College Associate Professor Allison White. 

"I am grateful to the search committee for their thoughtful work throughout this process,” Sayrs said. “They identified outstanding candidates who shared compelling ideas for enhancing University College’s work.

Nguyen will follow Interim Dean Carey Busch, who will conclude her term at the end of June to allow for some overlap during the transition to the new dean.

“I cannot thank Dr. Busch enough for her skillful leadership as interim dean over the last two years,” Sayrs said. “Carey has led with integrity and humanity during the pandemic, and I am grateful for her willingness to step in and lead the college for a second time.” 

Busch has served as interim dean of the University College since former Dean Sayrs was named Executive Vice President and Provost in March 2020.