UT Names Stephanie Russell Holz Dean of Students

Stephanie Russell Holz, currently associate dean of students and director of the Office of Students Leadership and Engagement at The University of Tampa, has been named UT’s new dean of students.

As dean of students, Holz will provide vision, leadership and strategic direction for the student affairs division, and will design, support and assess key facets of the student experience.

“Holz’s demonstrated abilities to envision outcomes and mobilize resources to that end, as well as her engaging and affirming disposition, make her the right choice for UT,” said Linda Devine, UT vice president of operations and planning. “She has created change in an intentional fashion, identifying student needs and galvanizing what is needed for the betterment of our community.”

Holz began at UT in 1998 as assistant director of student activities and since then has worked in various capacities in student affairs. Holz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater education/speech communication from Butler University, a master of science in college student personnel from Western Illinois University and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Colorado State University in educational leadership, renewal and change. She participated in Harvard’s Management Development Program and is an active, progressive participant in the student development field, authoring and presenting regularly.

Holz will begin her new position at UT on June 1. She succeeds Bob Ruday, who led the student affairs division for more than 19 years.