Following a competitive national search, Jenna Hyatt has been named dean of students for the Washington State University system, and associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs at WSU Pullman, effective July 1.
Hyatt has served as interim dean of students and assistant vice chancellor since 2022, and has provided exceptional care and support to Cougs across the WSU system throughout her time at WSU.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Dr. Hyatt will be serving as our dean of students and associate vice chancellor moving into the future,” remarked WSU Pullman Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Ellen Taylor. “Her demonstrated expertise, passion for student care and student success, and creative and collaborative approach to solving problems are all tremendous assets to Student Affairs and across WSU.”
Hyatt has over 30 years of experience in student affairs work, having served at several notable institutions before coming to WSU, including Cornell University, Southern Methodist University, the University of Arizona, and Ball State University. She has a doctorate in higher education from the University of North Texas.
“Being a Coug has been a significant privilege, and I am honored to serve WSU as the dean of students and associate vice chancellor,” said Hyatt. “I am passionate about advocating for the ‘whole student’ and partnering with colleagues and community stakeholders to identify and address systemic barriers in higher education. I believe strongly in the notion that the dean of students’ responsibilities are not limited to one individual, but are broadly shared and represent a movement of care and holistic support.”
As dean of students and associate vice chancellor, Hyatt will oversee 11 departments and programs including multicultural student services, health promotion, center for community standards, campus climate and community building, and care case management. She will also continue to strengthen WSU’s hazing prevention efforts, support a comprehensive student conduct and community standards process, co-lead the university’s threat assessment team, and manage care case management for students in need of support.
“Dr. Hyatt has been instrumental in creating partnerships across academic and student affairs,” said Provost and WSU Pullman Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton. “Her commitment to our students and the entirety of the student experience ensures that every Coug will have the support they need to succeed at WSU and beyond.”
To learn more about the office of the dean of students, please visit deanofstudents.wsu.edu.
