Angela Chong, a student affairs leader with 26 years of experience leading teams and building programs, will join the University of Oregon as the new vice president for student life. President Karl Scholz announced her selection in a message to campus, following a national search process.
Chong, currently the associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Florida State University, has a broad range of experience in higher education, from small private to large public institutions. During her six years at Florida State, Chong is credited with advancing and improving numerous student success programs including launching a strategic plan for the university’s health and wellness initiatives, working to re-envision holistic student support and success, and helping to raise $1 million dollars for the student emergency fund, food pantry and a collegiate recovery program that she established. She also served on her institution’s strategic planning committee, advocating to improve healthy student environments.
“Angela has spent her entire career advocating for students’ well-being, success and flourishing,” Scholz said. “She combines her deep care for students with an outstanding track record of effective management, an orientation toward enhancing operations and systems, and building innovative approaches to student support and cocurricular experiences.”
Chong says she is honored to be joining the University of Oregon community as the next vice president for student life.
“It is clear that UO values the student experience and is committed to ensuring a welcoming environment where all students can thrive,” Chong said. “I am thrilled to be joining an amazing team during such an exciting time at the university and am looking forward to working together with students, the student life team and campus partners to support UO’s strategic priorities.”
Prior to Florida State, Chong served at the assistant vice president for student affairs at the College of New Jersey. She has extensive management experience, overseeing staff and budgets, and has served in three cabinet-level positions, including interim vice president for student affairs at two institutions.
Chong earned a bachelor of science degree in communications from Southeast Missouri State University, a master of science in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University, followed by a juris doctorate in higher education law and policy from Stetson University.
Scholz thanked the search committee. He also expressed his gratitude to Kris Winter who has served as interim vice president for student life since July 2022, saying she has led “with commitment to the division and a student-centered approach. I am appreciative of all she has contributed to the university, including in her prior roles as dean of students and associate vice president.”
Chong will begin her position on Aug. 15.