The University of Wyoming has announced its choice for the associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

UW says Kimberly Chestnut is scheduled to begin her role on August 20, pending approval by the UW Board of Trustees. Chestnut currently works as the assistant vice president for student affairs at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., which she has held since 2017. West Chester University serves a full-time enrollment of 17,000 students.

“We are very excited to welcome Kimberly Chestnut to UW and Laramie,” says Sean Blackburn, UW vice president for student affairs, in a statement. “She will be a key leader in the Division of Student Affairs and brings to us a wealth of experience.”

Chestnut also oversees West Chester’s Identity, Health and Wellness unit, which includes the Counseling Center, Student Health, Center for Women and Gender Equity, Wellness Promotion, LGBTQA Center and Campus Recreation. Chestnut also chairs various committees that work closely with departments that provide service and response to students in times of need, such as public safety, Title IX, the counseling center and academic affairs.

Chestnut has her doctorate degree in human sexuality education and a master’s degree in education, from Widener University in Chester, Pa. She has held positions at the University of Colorado; Berkeley College in New Jersey; Antioch University Midwest in Yellow Springs, Ohio; Temple University in Philadelphia; and Widener University.

Chestnut said she was excited to start her new position at UW and all it has to offer.

“I was attracted to the position because the portfolio was a great combination of areas I wanted to learn more about and areas of strength in my previous experience. I look forward to sharing my skills and being of service while also learning with colleagues and students,” Chestnut says in a statement. “I accepted the position because I was impressed with the university, students and staff when I came for my campus visit. It was better than I expected and certainly impressive as a land-grant institution for Wyoming.”

She says the position is an incredible opportunity to support students with growth and development by working with UW colleagues to enhance the programs and services in the Dean of Students office.

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