New Thiel College Dean of Students brings experience in student success and leadership

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College has appointed DaVaughn M. Vincent-Bryan, Ed.D. as Dean of Students, effective July 1, 2026.

Vincent-Bryan joins Thiel from the University of Pittsburgh, where he has served since 2022 as the inaugural Director of Student Involvement. In that role, he led a division supporting more than 800 student organizations, campus programming, leadership development, arts initiatives, student media and student union operations. He also supervised more than 30 professional staff members, 200 student employees and a $4.6 million operating budget.

“Dr. Vincent-Bryan brings exactly the combination of experience, vision, and student-centered leadership we were looking for in our next Dean of Students. His track record of building inclusive communities, supporting student success, and empowering student leaders aligns perfectly with Thiel’s mission and values,” Vice President for Enrollment, Student Life and Athletics Mike McKinney, Ed.D. ’02 said. “I am confident he will have an immediate and lasting impact on our students and our campus community. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Thiel.”

Known to students as “Dr. DVB,” Vincent-Bryan brings nearly two decades of experience in student affairs and higher education leadership. His previous roles include leadership positions at the University of Pittsburgh in residence life, as well as positions at Clark University, Southern New Hampshire University and the University of Vermont.

“When a student feels genuinely seen and rooted in a community, they stop surviving their environment and start shaping it,” Vincent-Bryan said. “That transformation is what this work is designed to produce. Thiel’s culture and its deep commitment to students make it exactly the kind of place where that can happen in the most meaningful way. I am honored to join this community and eager to get to work.”

As Dean of Students, Vincent-Bryan will oversee residence life and housing, student conduct, student engagement and Greek life, health and wellness, leadership development, student government support, international student affairs, performing arts, and campus safety. He will also play a key role in student retention and crisis response efforts.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Vincent-Bryan was the first in his family to attend college. He said that experience shaped his commitment to helping students feel supported and connected throughout their college experience.

Vincent-Bryan earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and public communication from the University of Vermont, a Master of Science in organizational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and a Doctor of Education in administrative and policy studies with a concentration in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh.

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