St. Olaf names new Vice President for Student Life
St. Olaf College President David R. Anderson ’74 has announced the appointment of Dr. Hassel Andre Morrison as the next Vice President for Student Life.
Morrison, who currently serves as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of Idaho, has more than 20 years of experience in higher education in the areas of leadership development, community outreach and service, public-private partnerships, assessment, and recruitment and retention efforts. He will begin at St. Olaf in September.
As Vice President for Student Life, Morrison will lead campus-wide efforts to engage students in the life of the College in ways that support their learning, well-being, and success. He will serve as a member of the President’s Leadership Team and will oversee the Dean of Students, Counseling Center, Posse Program, Public Safety, Residence Life, Student Activities, Buntrock Commons, Campus Recreation, Wellness Programs, Student Health Services, and Center for Multicultural and International Engagement.
“Hassel will be an engaging, energetic, and purposeful leader of our student life division,” says President Anderson. “I am eager to partner with him to advance the learning and development of Oles.”
Morrison has worked at institutions large and small, including both predominantly white institutions and historically black colleges and universities. He has also taught general education courses for more than 14 years that focus on student development theory, leadership theory, and management principles. In addition to his role as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of Idaho, he serves on the faculty of the university’s College of Education.
“I am extremely excited about becoming a member of the St. Olaf family, and I look forward to helping students engage and lead.” — Dr. Hassel Andre Morrison
Prior to his current role at the University of Idaho, Morrison worked in student life at North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Union University, and Virginia State University.
Morrison earned his bachelor’s degree from Radford University, his master’s degree from Virginia State University, and his doctorate from North Carolina State University.
“I am extremely excited about becoming a member of the St. Olaf family, and I look forward to helping students engage and lead,” Morrison says. “I am proud of St. Olaf’s strong history and reputation. As we challenge students to excel, I have faith that they have the ability to do all things. As influential scholars, Oles have the capacity to change the world; I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff as we work together to accomplish common goals. My family and I are honored to become a part of this community.”