August 21, 2012: Jerry Rinehart, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, to Retire

Dear Colleagues,

After more than 35 years of service to the University, Jerry Rinehart has announced that he will retire next spring, on April 1, 2013. Jerry, who has led the Office of Student Affairs since 2003, has been an enthusiastic advocate for and source of support to our students, as well as an effective administrator. While Jerry's retirement is a huge loss to the University community—especially to our students—please join me in wishing him well as he plans for retirement.

Jerry joined the Provost's Office in 2003 as associate vice provost for Student Affairs and was promoted to vice provost in 2005. This year, he was given the additional title of dean of students to reflect his responsibilities related to student well-being and developmental success. In this role, he has coordinated the work of 16 units that provide support services and developmental opportunities for all students on the Twin Cities campus. Working with faculty and staff, he led the adoption of the University's Student Development Outcomes and the StrengthFinder initiative.

His administrative career at the University includes 20 years as assistant dean and director of Undergraduate Programs in the Carlson School of Management, where he led the school's conversion from an upper division program to a freshman admitting college.

A beloved leader who is well respected by faculty, staff, students, and alumni, Jerry has been recognized with the University's John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising and the Aurora Center’s Larry Anderson Partnership Award. In 2010 he was named the regional Outstanding Student Affairs Officer by NASPA—the professional organization for Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

An educator at heart, Jerry has taught communications and leadership courses in the U.S. and abroad, participating in site visits to campuses in Japan, Great Britain, and Australia. Recently, he led the development of a student services staff exchange program with Australian National University.

A celebration of Jerry's long career at the University will be held this spring. A search for his successor will be launched this fall. For now, though, we are fortunate that he remains in service to the University of Minnesota as we begin another academic year, and we are steadfastly grateful for all that he has accomplished and for his vigorous and continuing contributions.

Sincerely,

Karen Hanson,
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost