After previously having spent seven years in positions pertaining to student affairs and involvement, Todd Wells has officially been named the new dean of students.
Wells described the significance of his new role and how he believes being present among students is an integral part of carrying out his position’s duties.
“It’s really an honor, but also a huge responsibility. UMKC students are at the center of everything I do,” Wells said. “It’s really meaningful for me to be able to walk alongside students to help them be successful…you sometimes meet students on their very worst day, and that’s an honor for me, to be able to help them navigate those challenges.”
As dean of students, Wells looks to place an emphasis on advocacy and support through working closely with students and the new Vice Provost, Don Stansberry.
Wells described his role as a “connector,” for students and their experience on campus. He looks to ensure that all resources are accessible to students whether they want to use them or not.
“I need to make sure that we have proper appointment times for the counseling center, that we can connect students to this campus, student engagement and careers,” Wells said. “Everyone is an adult, but we really want to make sure that students know we care a lot about them and what’s happening outside of these confines of this campus.”
The Campus Assessment Response and Education team (CARE) is a resource Wells discussed as being a crucial resource he helps operate to emphasize the well-being of students.
As for new resources, Wells is listening to students and faculty alike before making any decisions. As his time in this position progresses, he is looking to launch needs assessments to properly address what the student body needs and how he should provide that.
Yasmen Hassen, senior majoring in business administration with an emphasis in marketing, previously worked with Wells through SGA. Hassen described Wells’ appointment as being energizing compared to previous Dean of Students.
“It was a no-brainer, it made the most sense to us, the SGA board, and everyone who knew him well,” Hassen said. “It is nice to have a sound relationship with the dean of students, whereas previous dean of students, a lot of student leaders felt they didn’t have that same connection.”
Hassen expressed optimism for Wells assuming this role as she believes that his ability to connect with students will ultimately lead to positive change.
“Being able to see a face that you’ve seen on a day to day and have conversations with and who is actually in the student union talking to students and connecting with people is refreshing and I believe he embodies that,” Hassen said. “I hope he continues that momentum of engagement and it transitions to his new position.”
