WSU announces vice president of new Student Access & Success division
OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University’s Board of Trustees Executive Committee has approved the selection of Jessica Oyler as the inaugural vice president of Student Access & Success.
The new SAS division aligns areas of Enrollment Management & Student Success with areas that fell under the former Student Affairs division. The vice president of SAS position replaces the vice president of Student Affairs and will report dually to the president and provost.
SAS will focus on recruiting, retaining and graduating students from all walks of life, while also providing educational experiences outside the classroom.
“Dr. Oyler is laser-focused on student success, and she’s going to bring a passion and fresh perspective to this important new role,” said WSU President Brad Mortensen. “This job requires taking innovative approaches to how we attract and retain students, and Jessica has a resume that proves she’s suited for the task.”
Starting June 1, Oyler will be charged with simplifying processes for students to navigate the university and to find support through inclusive programs.
“I’m excited for the challenge and the opportunity to bring different areas together with the ultimate goal of providing equitable access to higher education and positively contributing to student success,” Oyler said.
Oyler hopes to make college understandable for prospective students and their parents from beginning to end — enrollment to graduation.
“For people who have worked in a university setting for many years, certain things make sense to them that don’t always make sense to others,” she said. “We need to do things in a way that makes sense for the students. There’s room to improve and grow when it comes to meeting people where they are.”
In her new role, Oyler will work closely with stakeholders across campus and the community to create and implement initiatives that address the various needs of WSU, especially in relation to changing demographics and other challenges facing institutions of higher education.
“Dr. Oyler will work across campus divisions to develop innovative and streamlined approaches to the student experience,” said Provost Ravi Krovi. “Her relationships, knowledge and proven abilities here will allow her to seamlessly transition into this role.”
Since arriving at WSU in 2008, Oyler has held numerous leadership roles in Human Resources and Student Affairs. She currently serves as associate provost of Enrollment Management & Student Success, where she oversees over 90 employees in Admissions, Office of the Registrar, High School Dual Enrollment, Financial Aid & Scholarships, and the Student Success Center.
Oyler holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah, a master’s degree in postsecondary educational leadership from San Diego State University, and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural food and life sciences from the University of Arkansas.
“Weber State is a pillar in our community,” Oyler said. “We provide educational opportunities that promote economic development, social mobility and personal fulfillment — and in the coming years we want to see more and more people succeed.”
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu