Swarthmore College president Valerie Smith recently announced that Stephanie Ives will join the Swarthmore community as vice president for student affairs on June 20.

Ives comes to Swarthmore from Temple University where she currently serves as interim vice president for student affairs. She joined Temple in 2008 and previously served as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. During her time there, she led strategic planning efforts and assessment initiatives, helped create new programs and services, managed budgets and staffing, and worked with every stakeholder across the university to support and amplify the institution’s mission, vision, and values. She has also cultivated meaningful connections with students and, together with staff and faculty, strategized improvements to LGBTQ+ support, disability and access issues, and DEI efforts, among other initiatives.

Prior to Temple, Ives worked at the University of Pennsylvania for nearly nine years, including as director of strategic initiatives. At both institutions, she was known as an accessible, effective, and authentic advocate for students.

Ives earned a B.A. in English literature and an M.A. in higher education administration from the University of Arizona and an Ed.D. in higher education management from UPenn. She is also a graduate of the HERS Summer Leadership Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration.

In her role as vice president for student affairs at Swarthmore, Ives will oversee and develop programs that help students realize their fullest intellectual and personal potential. She will work in close collaboration with faculty, staff members, and students to strengthen the College’s undergraduate residential experience and integrate student life experiences with Swarthmore’s educational mission.

Ives will also provide strategic leadership and direction across the the Division of Student Affairs, which includes areas such as academic advising and support, the registrar, career services, residential life, student activities, diversity and inclusion initiatives, the Black Cultural Center, the Intercultural Center, the International Student Center, the Center for Innovation and Leadership, low-income and first-generation student initiatives, gender and sexuality initiatives, religious and spiritual life, disability services, health and wellness services, and counseling and psychological services.

"Stephanie brings valuable experience and knowledge to this critical role. I look forward to working with her, and I know that her passion and energy for working intentionally, collaboratively, and effectively with and on behalf of students will serve us well," says Smith.