Rick Gatteau Named VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Richard J. “Rick” Gatteau, PhD, has been named Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Stony Brook University following a national search.  His appointment, effective January 10, was announced by Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr.

Reporting to President Stanley, Dr. Gatteau will lead the University’s Division of Student Affairs to foster the success of Stony Brook’s more than 26,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. He has been serving in the position on an interim basis since January 2018.

“Rick has ably served in the interim role of this position, and I am pleased that he has accepted the permanent post,” said President Stanley. “His vision for the Division, his institutional knowledge and relationships across campus, and his experience at every level of promoting student success, made him the top candidate. I am confident that he will continue to distinguish himself as a valued member of the senior leadership team.”

The units reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students include: Campus Recreation, Campus Residences, Career Center, Student Health Services, Commuter Student Services-Off Campus Living, Interfaith Center, LGBTQ* Services, Multicultural Affairs, Student Activities, Student Life, University Community Standards, and Veterans Affairs. As Vice President, Dr. Gatteau will also provide leadership and guidance to over 400 recognized graduate and undergraduate student clubs and organizations, and manage the largest residential campus program in the SUNY system, which comprises 30 residence halls for more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students living on campus.

Dr. Gatteau’s 26-year career in higher education includes working in residential life and academic advising capacities. He served as a Hall Director at the University of Vermont and as Assistant Director and Director of Residential Life at Iona College before transitioning to academic advising, and was the Senior Dean of Columbia University’s sophomore advising center before coming to Stony Brook University in 2002 as Director of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising.

In 2011 he was appointed Assistant Provost, and in 2014 became the Associate Provost for Academic Success in the Division of Undergraduate Education. As Associate Provost, he was responsible for supporting the University’s retention and graduation efforts, and worked closely with new student orientation, academic advising, tutoring, and other offices that support students’ academic success. Dr. Gatteau served as Faculty Director of the Higher Education Administration Program at Stony Brook, which he founded. He also taught Foundations of Higher Education Administration, Advising and Counseling in Higher Education, and Project Seminar in the Higher Education Administration master’s program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University and his master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont. He completed his PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration at Fordham University.

“I am honored to be afforded this incredible opportunity to serve our students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Gatteau. “The Division of Student Affairs at Stony Brook University is comprised of an outstanding and dedicated team of professionals, and I look forward to leading the group and collaborating with colleagues to ensure the continued success of our students.”