Casey Gill, vice president for student development and dean of students at Wittenberg University, will become vice president for student development and chief student experience officer at the University of Dayton Jan. 1.

"The national search for a vice president for student development led right to our backyard to welcome back an alumna familiar with our mission," President Eric F. Spina said. "Casey's outstanding leadership skills stood out, as did her genuine care for others. Her numerous roles and work across departments at Wittenberg will be invaluable as we strive to enrich our students' holistic experience. Casey also will be an important leader in the president's cabinet, helping us shape a supportive and transformative environment for all students."

As the senior student affairs officer at Wittenberg since 2013, Gill oversees residence life, student success and retention, Greek life, the health and counseling centers, career engagement and diversity and inclusion, among others, plus a staff of 30 and a budget of more than $5 million. She also serves as a member of Wittenberg's emergency risk management team, is a primary advisor to the student senate; and the interim senior leader for facilities management, dining services and the university bookstore.

Gill helped create a success advisor model for all first-year students, worked with Wittenberg's student senate to improve residence hall lounges and common spaces, and significantly enhanced student mental health resources at Wittenberg. Under her leadership, the Tiger Counseling Center expanded from one to three full-time staff and added four graduate interns. She helped implement TimelyCare, a virtual health and wellbeing platform for 24/7 student care. Gill also led Wittenberg's COVID-19 emergency response, established an anti-hazing task force and partnered with Mercy Health to operate the on-campus health center. 

Before going to Wittenberg, Gill worked for four years at the University of Tampa as assistant director of civic engagement, and coordinator of Greek life, community service and peer education. In those roles, she helped manage resources for community engagement in Tampa Bay. Gill established relationships with more than 200 community partners and led service-learning initiatives with faculty. 

Gill received her bachelor's degree in biology from Bowling Green State University, and her master of college student personnel and doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Dayton. 

"Dr. Gill brings strong experience in student-centered leadership, strategic planning and operationalizing goals; and facilitating cross-divisional initiatives in student wellbeing, success and retention," said Darlene Weaver, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "She has overseen a significant portfolio of responsibilities that will serve UD well as the division of student development is reintegrated into academic affairs. And as a two-time alumna of UD, she is well acquainted with the mission and culture of the institution. Following her campus visit, it was evident there was enthusiastic support for her leadership."

During her graduate studies at UD, Gill was a graduate assistant for student organizations, fraternities and sororities and a graduate intern in the Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention. 

"I am honored and excited to step into the role of vice president for student development and chief student experience officer at the University of Dayton, an institution deeply committed to holistic student growth and a transformative educational experience," Gill said. "Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for fostering inclusive communities, empowering students to thrive, and collaborating across the institution to shape a vibrant, student-centered culture. I look forward to working with the incredible students, faculty and staff at UD to advance its mission and build upon its strong tradition of excellence and innovation."

Gill will take over for Bill Fischer, who is retiring Dec. 20 after more than 15 years of service to the University. Fischer began his tenure at UD as associate vice president for student development in November 2008. He was named interim vice president for student development and dean of students in 2010 and was appointed to the position in early 2011.