Joshua Perkins, Ph.D., is excited about the opportunity to continue to serve, support and advocate for students on a new level as the associate vice president and dean of students for 鶹ѡ.
His career in higher education began 20 years ago. Since then, he has continuously sought professional opportunities to care for students.
“What got me into higher education was wanting to support and care for students the way I was supported and cared for,” he said. “I had wonderful people walk alongside me during my undergraduate studies, especially in those moments when I didn’t think I was going to make it.”
While Perkins pursued his master’s degree in clinical counseling, he worked as a residence hall director, which shaped his career’s foundation.
“There were moments I was like, ‘I can’t believe I’m getting paid for this’ because I loved what I was doing,” Perkins said.
From there, Perkins built a career defined by diverse roles and responsibilities, each focused on fostering student success.
He worked at small liberal arts schools, overseeing areas such as residence life, student conduct and leadership development, and eventually found his way to Kent State.
Perkins began his journey at 鶹ѡ12 years ago as an assistant director in the Office of Student Success Programs. He advanced within the office, serving as associate director before stepping into the director role.
When the CARES Center opened in 2021 to address student mental health and basic needs at the university, Perkins recognized it as the perfect opportunity to bring together his counseling background and student advocacy experience.
As assistant dean and director of the CARES Center, he found fulfillment in being able to help students in difficult situations.
“If we could avoid them being in those spaces, that would be ideal,” Perkins said. “But if anybody’s going to be there, I want to be there helping them.”
Now, as associate vice president and dean of students, Perkins is eager to expand his impact and ensure that students have the resources they need to focus on themselves and their studies.
Eboni Pringle, Ph.D., senior vice president for the Division of Student Life, announced Perkins’ selection, highlighting his extensive experience, innovative leadership and commitment to student success and well-being.
“Throughout his career at Kent State, Dr. Perkins has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusive leadership, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and valued in decision-making processes,” Pringle said. “As associate vice president and dean of students, he will continue to strengthen our university’s and division’s dedication to fostering a sense of belonging for our students.”
The dean of students is the primary advocate for students. The role includes managing crisis protocols and connecting students with appropriate campus resources.
As part of the associate vice president responsibilities, Perkins oversees several crucial areas on campus, including the CARES Center, Recreation and Wellness Services, 鶹ѡof Well-being, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Student Conduct, Parents and Families Engagement, and the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services.
Perkins said that in recent years, the role has expanded to include a stronger focus on mental health programming, ensuring students know how to access support for various non-academic needs, including basic needs, mental health and fostering a safe campus environment.
“The best [way to describe the role] is [to be] that advocate listening to student voices, being aware of student needs and optimizing the campus climate environment for students to be successful,” Perkins said.
He is humbled and grateful for the chance to further support 鶹ѡstudents.
“I feel like I’m in a job that aligns with my passion, energy level and interest,” he said. “There’s going to be challenges. However, I’m looking forward to serving students and thankful to be in this position.”