Kiara M. Vigil

Kiara M. Vigil

Associate Professor of American Studies; Dean of New Students

Converse Hall Room 201-F

Dean of New Students Kiara Vigil has responsibilities for the personal and academic counseling of students in the Class of 2027 and first year new transfer scholars. She may be consulted on matters relating to the general and academic counseling of first-year students, college regulations and requirements, matters related to academic advising by faculty of new students, and the First-Year Seminar courses. She is also the Faculty Director of the Summer Bridge Program.

Book an Appointment

Jess Caldwell-O'Keefe

Jess Caldwell-O'Keefe

Senior Associate Dean of Students & Class Dean

Converse 201

Senior Associate Dean of Students and Sophomore Class Dean.  

Charri J. Boykin-East

Charri J. Boykin-East

Senior Associate Dean of Students

Converse Hall Room 201E

Dean for the Class of 2024; Senior Associate Dean of Students

David E. Schneider

David E. Schneider

Georges Lurcy Professor of Music & European Studies; Class Dean

Converse Hall Room 201-C

Provides personal and academic counseling of students in the Class of 2025; Georges Lurcy Professor of Music & European Studies; Class Dean

Michelle L. Welles

Michelle L. Welles

Senior Academic Support Coordinator

Michelle provides all aspects of administrative support for the 2026 Class Dean/Senior Associate Dean Jess Caldwell-O'Keefe and Dean of New Students Kiara Vigil.  Michelle oversees the implementation of processes and policies used by the Team of Class Deans.  Michelle also provides support and training for the staff of Academic Support Coordinators.

What We Do

Student Affairs supports a Class Dean System which does the following:

  • Provides a Dean who is dedicated to the oversight and stewardship of each class year.
  • Offers direct personal attention to each student.
  • Establishes one-on-one relationships between the students and their class dean.
  • Helps students develop educational goals and complete their graduation requirements.
  • Collaborates with Faculty to support student success in the classroom.
  • Facilitates access to academic and non-academic support services.
  • Supports student transitions as they navigate their undergraduate years.
  • Helps students successfully complete their academic career and personal goals.

The deans and assistants in the Student Affairs offices in Converse are valuable sources of information on a wide range of topics. The office serves as a place for students to begin seeking assistance and answers to their questions related to college life. All students would benefit from getting to know members of the Office of Student Affairs.


A group of students in Johnson Chapel

Dean of New Students Monthly Messages

Visit an archive of messages sent out to new students by their class dean. This page will be updated each month as new messages are sent out to students by Dean Vigil.