Meaghan Davidson named dean of students as office expands its services

Meaghan Davidson is Virginia Tech's new assistant vice president and dean of students.

Davidson, who began her role on July 14, has more than 15 years of experience in higher education, including leadership in student success, strategic planning, and crisis management. She most recently served as associate vice president and dean of students at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she oversaw a broad portfolio of student life services.

“Institutions like Virginia Tech represent the foremost that higher education has to offer,” Davidson said. “I am thrilled to join the distinguished Virginia Tech community and to partner with like-minded peers as we work to serve one of the best student communities in the world. I look forward to enhancing the student experience across campus.”

Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene said, “I’m delighted that Dr. Davidson has joined us. Her demonstrated success in partnering with colleagues in academic affairs, deep commitment to student success, wealth of experience in student affairs leadership, and track record of data-informed decision-making will continue to help us improve student outcomes.”

Davidson oversees the Dean of Students Office, New Student and Family Programs, Services for Students with Disabilities, and Student Conduct, as well as Basic Needs and Services, Family Programs, First-Generation Student Success, and the Interfaith Initiative.

Davidson’s arrival comes at a time of strategic expansion for the dean of students area, which is broadening its scope and deepening its roster to better support off-campus students and address basic needs such as food and housing security.

“Virginia Tech has a vibrant, engaged campus community,” Davidson said. “There’s a lot of pride in being a Hokie, and I’m excited to be part of a community that thinks about their students in meaningful ways, that wants students to be part of the process, to consider their perspective, and to meet them where they are.”

Part of that effort includes a greater focus on expanding initiatives and new leadership roles to address basic needs and off-campus student support, in alignment with Virginia Tech Advantage.

Shannon Farquhar-Caddell ’14 will serve as senior assistant dean of students for basic needs and off-campus student support, leading efforts to understand and serve students living in Blacksburg, Roanoke, and the greater Washington, D.C., area. 

Donna Smith joined as assistant dean of students for food access initiatives, supporting programs such as The Market of Virginia Tech and other food security efforts.

“We want to better understand the needs of off-campus students and how they receive information so we can lower barriers to how we promote and provide services for them,” Davidson said. “Our case management perspective can help connect them to the assistance they need.”

Rohsaan Settle, associate dean of students and director of the Dean of Students Office, said the changes reflect a commitment to holistic student support.

“Sometimes students need help navigating unexpected life circumstances or university processes that are challenging,” said Settle. “Our office exists to walk alongside students and help create an environment where they are more likely to thrive.”

The Dean of Students office operates across three functional areas:

• Case management services: Supporting students through difficult situations with personalized follow-up and care
• Student success outreach and engagement: Partnering with academic units to support first-generation students and those exploring religious, spiritual, or secular identities
  
• Basic needs and off-campus student support: Connecting students to food access programs, emergency funding, and resources tailored to their living situations

Settle said the expansion was shaped by conversations with campus partners and data showing that graduate, transfer, professional, and international students often face unique challenges. Soon, two new assistant deans will focus specifically on off-campus student support, with one dedicated to these populations.

“We can’t treat off-campus students all the same,” Settle said. “We need someone to drill down and focus on how we can best support those students.”

The office will also add an assistant dean for first-generation student support, further helping it connect students with resources and remove obstacles to success.

“We often work with students in some of their most difficult moments,” Settle said. “Having a well-resourced team allows us to be better prepared. We want students to know that when they’re navigating something really tricky, scary, or complex, they don’t have to do it alone.”

As the office strengthens its services, Davidson and Settle are focused on designing new programs with their team and connecting existing resources to better serve students across all campuses.

“We all want our students to thrive and be equipped for success while they’re with us and when they leave Virginia Tech,” Settle said. “These new staff, programs, and initiatives will help us remove obstacles so that our students can do the great things that they’re meant to do.”

And for any student unsure of where to begin looking for help with big challenges, Settle offered a long-standing invitation from the dean’s area: “If you don’t know where to start, start with us.”