Three-time alumnus Peter A. Konwerski has been named senior associate vice president and dean of students. Effective immediately, Dr. Konwerski, B.A. ’91, M.A. ’93, Ed.D. ’97, will lead GW’s newly configured student life unit.
Under Dr. Konwerski’s leadership, a number of departments within the Division of Student and Academic Support Services (SASS) will be consolidated to focus on student academic success, educational outreach and prevention, student engagement and clinical support services.
Dr. Konwerski has worked in the division for nearly two decades, most recently serving as associate vice president and chief administrative officer.
“An internship in campus activities I had as an undergraduate launched me into a career I love, working in higher education,” says Dr. Konwerski. “Since then, 19 years have gone by, and I have had the pleasure to work with hundreds of faculty and staff colleagues to support thousands of students as they achieve their academic aspirations, experiential engagement and community affinity.”
“Peter Konwerski has truly lived the GW experience, having served his alma mater with distinction as a student, faculty member and senior administrator in our student affairs division,” says Robert A. Chernak, senior vice provost and senior vice president for student and academic support services. “This new student life and learning unit is the first piece of the puzzle as we transition student affairs under GW’s new provost.”
Several other staff members will also assume new roles as part of the division’s reorganization.
Helen Cannaday-Saulny, M.A. ’88, brings 25 years of experience to her new position as associate vice president and dean of freshman. In her new role, Ms. Cannaday-Saulny will supervise Matt Trainum, who will direct the Guide to Personal Success Program and support new student programs and academic support services.
Kathryn Napper, B.A. ’77, M.A. ’80, Ed.D. ’88, has been promoted to associate vice president and dean of undergraduate admissions, and Daniel Small has been promoted to associate vice president of student financial assistance.
In the Athletic Department, Brian Hamluk, M.A. ’03, will take on the role of associate athletic director for administration. Chandra Bierwirth was promoted to associate athletic director for compliance, Jason Wilson, B.S. ’96, to associate athletic director for facilities, and Chris Hennelly to assistant athletic director for sports medicine and training.
In the central SASS office, Fred Siegel has been named associate vice president and chief administrative officer. Mr. Siegel, who has more than three decades of experience in higher education and student affairs, will transition from his position as dean of freshmen and relocate from the Mount Vernon Campus to Foggy Bottom.
In addition, Andrew Sonn, Ed.D. ’10, has been promoted to executive director of administration, and Rodney Johnson, M.A. ’93, was promoted to executive director of the Office of Parent Services. Johnnie Osborne will serve in a key transitional role as associate vice president and special advisor to Dr. Chernak, helping to manage the implementation of student affairs initiatives.