August 2, 2019 – Valparaiso, Ind. – Valparaiso University has selected Julie E. DeGraw, Ph.D., as the vice president for student affairs. Most recently DeGraw served as the vice president for student life and dean of students, Title IX and ADA coordinator at Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio. She begins employment at the University on August 26.
In this role, DeGraw will serve as the senior university officer providing leadership and management for co-curricular student affairs at Valpo. She will provide strategic leadership to offices and programs including the Career Center, Residential Life, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Harre Union and Student Activities, Office of Multicultural Programs, Student Counseling Services, First-Year Students, Orientation, Commuter Programs, Dean of Students and Student Health Center.
“Julie DeGraw brings deep experience, genuine passion and high energy to an already accomplished team of professionals in Valpo’s Student Affairs program. We look forward to an exciting, high-quality experience for our students under her leadership,” said Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., president of Valparaiso University.
DeGraw has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education including an extensive background in diversity and inclusion initiatives and student advocacy. She will continue this important work at Valpo by improving the dynamic Valpo student life experience with ideas to promote student engagement, development and leadership opportunities while advocating for student success. DeGraw will bring passion and enthusiasm to the role of vice president for student affairs, whose leadership contributes to the vibrant student experience
I am honored to be invited to join the Valparaiso University team and am excited to work together toward providing a quality holistic educational experience for students,” DeGraw said. “I especially look forward to collaborating with and leading the talented student development staff and continuing to build on the history of a strong cocurricular and curricular program that serves the mission of the institution.”
Prior to her time at Bluffton University, DeGraw served in executive roles at the College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois; Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California; and Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
DeGraw holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, a master of arts from Michigan State University and a bachelor of arts from Calvin College