The University of Hartford is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Dodge as its new dean of students. Dodge brings to this important role more than two decades of experience spanning student affairs, academic affairs, teaching, and institutional leadership, with a career centered on creating connected, student-focused environments that strengthen belonging, engagement, academic achievement, and the overall student experience.
Dodge comes to UHart from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he serves as provost and chief academic and student life officer. In that role, he provides executive leadership across academic affairs and student life, as well as academic advising and support services, faculty affairs, accreditation, institutional research, and strategic planning. During his tenure at AIC, he has held a variety of progressively responsible leadership positions and helped advance initiatives focused on academic innovation, organizational development, student support, and stronger connections between the academic and co-curricular experience.
A first-generation college graduate, Dodge began his career in student affairs and has remained deeply committed to ensuring that students feel known, supported, challenged, and connected to their campus community. His experience includes leadership in student success, residence life, student conduct, leadership development, academic support, and cross-campus collaboration.
“I am incredibly excited to join the University of Hartford and become part of a community so deeply committed to its students,” says Dodge. “Throughout my career, I have believed that some of the most meaningful work we do in higher education happens when students feel known, connected, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. I look forward to working alongside students, faculty, and staff across UHart to build on that commitment and create a student experience where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Dodge also serves as a full professor of education at AIC and has nearly two decades of college teaching experience at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. An experienced doctoral dissertation chair, his teaching and research interests include higher education leadership, organizational development, student success, and inclusive campus environments.
He earned his EdD in higher education policy and leadership from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an MBA from Eastern University, a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and English from SUNY Oswego.
“We couldn't be more excited to welcome Dr. Dodge as our new dean of students,” emphasizes Kayon Morgan, vice president of student success and inclusive excellence. “He brings a rare combination of expertise and heart to this role and has a real passion for making the student experience richer and more meaningful every single day. We are looking forward to the energy and partnership he'll bring to our community.”