Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Peter Konwerski will resign from his position at the end of the spring semester, the University announced Tuesday.
Konwerski, who is a three-time GW alumnus and has worked at the University for more than 25 years, will move on to “pursue other professional and academic endeavors,” according to a release. Konwerski’s replacement will be announced before his departure in the spring, the release said.
“Our students inspire me every day, and it’s been an incredible honor serving my alma mater as vice provost and dean of student affairs, working to empower GW students to learn and thrive,” Konwerski said. “I’m also excited by what the future holds for the GW student experience.”
Konwerski advanced to the position of dean of student affairs in 2012 after previously serving as dean of students, a role he held for two years. In his current position, Konwerski oversees departments including the Center for Student Engagement, the Colonial Health Center, the International Services Office, Office of Military and Veteran Student Services and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
During his tenure at GW, Konwerski has been known for his frequently updated Twitter account, @GWPeterK, where he constantly interacts and replies to student concerns.
Konwerski said that it is an “opportune time to step away and make way for the next generation of leaders” as University President Thomas LeBlanc continues to set a student experience-focused agenda in his first year in the role.
“I deeply believe in the president’s vision of creating an unparalleled student experience, and I hope that during my transition I can help GW prepare for the future generation of GW students in our third century,” Konwerski said.
Konwerski helmed DSA when they faced budget cuts after former University President Steven Knapp asked central administrative departments to make 3 to 5 percent budget cuts each fiscal year until 2021. Last year, student affairs eliminated the director of academic integrity and the senior associate dean of students positions, and later dissolved the Office of Parent Services.
LeBlanc said in the release that he asked Konwerski to serve as a special adviser to him and Provost Forrest Maltzman throughout the spring semester “given his wealth of knowledge of GW’s student life.”
“Peter has tirelessly advocated for GW students since his days as an undergraduate here, and we are grateful for his service and commitment,” LeBlanc said.
In recent years, Konwerski has worked to increase communication to international students, launched a student affairs advisory council and unveiled the Family Ambassador Program.
“Throughout his career he’s led initiatives that have enhanced GW’s community, including efforts to support student well-being and student career and professional outcomes, and helped enhance the thriving sense of community, student engagement and service, which are hallmarks of the GW student experience,” Maltzman said in the release.
Student affairs has faced turnover from several top officials in recent months, including Gabriel Slifka, the director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Glenn Egelman, the leader of the Colonial Health Center, and Victoria Pridemore, a top veterans affairs official.
