Office of the President

Administrative News: Vice President of Student Affairs Raymond Ou

May 3, 2022

Dear Members of the Brandeis Community,

Raymond Lu-Ming Ou, vice president of student affairs, has decided he will be stepping down at the end of June. Joining the institution shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Raymond led many of the University’s most critical student-facing departments in providing comprehensive support of students both on and off campus throughout this difficult time.

During his time at Brandeis, Raymond was the liaison to the new Student Life Committee on the Board of Trustees, working with stakeholders on addressing critical issues including student mental health, Title IX in athletics, crisis management, student programming, and career advising. He met regularly with key student leaders to consult on issues affecting student life on campus. He also implemented a contemporary divisional leadership model and launched a comprehensive strategic planning process aligned with best practices in the field. Brandeis’ Division of Student Affairs is stronger for his innovations and efforts.

In letting me know about his plans, Raymond told me that he has loved his work here and has enjoyed getting to know so many students, faculty, staff, and alumni during his time at Brandeis. However, he is eager to complete his doctoral dissertation given an upcoming deadline this summer, and he feels that now is the time to focus on that work.  I know that everyone in the Brandeis community will join me in wishing him much success in that effort.

Raymond developed a stable, capable senior leadership team in Student Affairs during his tenure. I am pleased to announce that beginning July 1, we will turn to that very capable team to lead Student Affairs. Andrea Dine will serve as interim vice president and will work closely with Assistant Vice President Shelby Harris. I am confident that Student Affairs will be very well led under the leadership of Andrea and Shelby. I anticipate sharing information about a search for a permanent vice president for student affairs next academic year.

Please join me in thanking Raymond and in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Ron