Tim Bessler

Tim Bessler is the current Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students at St. Mary's University. Tim has been in this position since June of 2009. Prior to that, they were the Assistant Dean of Students at Mount St. Joseph University from July 2005 to June 2009. In this role, they supervised 7 professional staff, 1 support staff, and 14 student staff in Campus Activities & Leadership, First Year Experience, Multicultural Affairs, Residence Life, and the Children’s Center. Tim also managed the staffing, budget, and overall operation for the Department of Residence Life.

In addition to their duties as Assistant Dean of Students, Tim also advised the Student Government Association on the allocation of the $240,000 annual Student Activity Fee budget. Tim directed the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Grad Finale and Commencement activities. Tim also collaborated with Public Safety, Counseling and Health Services to coordinate emergency incident response.

Since taking on the role of VP of Student Development and Dean of Students at St. Mary's University, Tim has continued their work to support students and create a positive campus experience. Tim has edited, updated, and maintained the Student Handbook to include online and print versions. Tim has also supervised the administration of nine department and program budgets totaling approximately $500,000. Additionally, they have administered and evaluated the student conduct process.

In an effort to provide coordinated support for students presenting health, wellness, and disciplinary issues on campus, Tim implemented Weekend Update Meetings for Residence Life, Counseling, Health Services and First Year Experience staff. Tim also established a relationship with Miami University's College Student Personnel graduate program to secure a graduate assistant for the Office of Residence Life and practicum students for the division of student affairs.

Tim has also been instrumental in implementing programs to assess student perceptions of the judicial process and to maximize educational opportunity for involved students. Tim supervised the creation and implementation of a freshman seminar-integrated peer leader program and a first year learning community in the residence hall. Additionally, they implemented the Noel Levitz College Student Inventory (CSI) to assist with early identification of at risk students and intentional allocation of limited resources to maximize student success.

Most recently, Tim advised the SGA on the creation and successful implementation of a campus recycling program.

Tim Bessler has an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Florida International University, a MA in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine/Studio Arts, General from Xavier University.

They are on a team with Leona Pallansch - Interim Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Rowena Ortiz-Walters - Dean, Greehey School of Business, and Carolyn Tubbs - Vice Provost, Academic Affairs. Their manager is Thomas M. Mengler, President.