Following a comprehensive national search, UNC Greensboro has appointed Dr. Emily Gaspar as the next Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, effective June 15, 2026.
Gaspar has significant experience in student affairs leadership, crisis management, behavioral assessment, and case management. She served in various administrative roles at Coastal Carolina University for the last nine years, including director of Accessibility and Disability Services and interim assistant vice president for Student Affairs. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Dean of Students at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her professional background also includes roles in the Dean of Students Office at the University of Arizona and in Housing at Colorado State University.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Emily Gaspar to UNC Greensboro and the Student Affairs team,” says Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Akens. “She is a strategic, student-centered leader with deep experience and a commitment to advancing the well-being and success of all students. I am confident Dr. Gaspar will provide exceptional leadership as we continue to strengthen our work in well-being and cultivate the culture of care that is central to our mission.”
Gaspar earned her Ph.D. in education sciences with a specialization in higher education administration from Coastal Carolina University. She holds a master of science in student affairs in higher education from Colorado State University, and a bachelor of arts in communication from Arizona State University.
In Spring 2025, she received a Fulbright postdoctoral research award hosted by Deakin University in Australia. Her research explored the employment experiences of disability services practitioners who identify as disabled, and work at institutions of higher education in Australia.
UNCG thanks members of the search committee led by Chief of Police Chris Jasso for conducting a robust and successful search. Gaspar will succeed Dr. Brett Carter, who is retiring after 30 years of distinguished service to UNCG.
