Dr. Deb Kladivko to Step Down after 25 Years of Service to USC Aiken

Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services has devoted a total of 38 years to higher education

Aiken, SC (02/20/2018) — Dr. Deb Kladivko will be stepping down from her role as Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services this June after 25 years of service at USC Aiken, and a total of 38 years devoted to the field of higher education.

"Those who know me well are aware that the primary motivation for this move is to be closer to my grandchildren, who live in the Greenville area. I have loved working at USC Aiken - it is truly a special place, where faculty and staff care about the growth and success of our students. I know USC Aiken will continue to flourish under the leadership of Dr. Jordan and all of the other committed people at USC Aiken, and I look forward to watching that growth - just from a little farther away!"

Dr. Deb will not be completely retiring, as she has accepted a part-time position at USC Upstate as the Associate Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement. "I joke that I am retiring from being a senior administrator and from working fulltime, but am excited that I will continue to work with college students in a meaningful way."

Dr. Deb has worked for three Chancellors - Drs. Alexander, Hallman, and Jordan. During her tenure at USC Aiken, Deb provided leadership as the campus changed from an almost exclusively commuter campus to a campus with a significant residential population. She oversaw the addition of two new housing complexes which almost tripled the number of students on campus. This change created the need for additional support services and student engagement opportunities, and she provided leadership in creating the Counseling Center, Disability Services Office, and Student Health Center, as well additional Student Life programs. She has also been a key player in many campus-wide initiatives, including serving as co-chair of the Retention, Progression and Graduation Committee, chair of the Orientation Planning Committee, chair of the Behavioral Intervention Team, and Title IX Coordinator for Students.

"Dr. Kladivko has been a committed member of the leadership team, handling each and every aspect of her responsibilities with a positive attitude and integrity...and every decision focused on student development and wellbeing," shares Chancellor, Dr. Sandra Jordan. "As a committed 'servant leader,' Dr. Deb has been instrumental in instilling a commitment to service over-self in USC Aiken students through alternative spring break trips, the creation of volunteer programs, her work with Campus Compact, and by example through her own community service.

"Students often comment that their USC Aiken experience was like being a part of a second family. I believe the 'student first' atmosphere is what makes this university special, and is due to the work of Dr. Deb. Over the course of three decades, she has shaped student life and co-curriculum programs that enhance both the college experience and student development," Jordan added.

Mr. Ahmed Samaha, who currently serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services, will serve as Interim Vice Chancellor until a national search is conducted next year.

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Dr. Deb Kladivko