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Dr. Gourjoine M. Wade Named TLU's New VP For Student Life & Learning

Texas Lutheran University announces the appointment of Dr. Gourjoine M. Wade as the next Vice President of Student Life & Learning and Dean of Students effective July 12, 2021.

Dr. Wade comes to TLU from Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he has served as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students since 2017. He has also held a variety of student life positions at Alabama State University, Arkansas Baptist College, and Prairie View A&M University.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Grambling State and master’s and doctoral degrees from Walden University in higher education administration and higher education leadership and management, respectively.

"My family and I are absolutely thrilled to be joining the TLU family," said Dr. Wade. "I'm eager and excited to work with President Cottrell and the leadership team. During the search process, I enjoyed the virtual visits and engagement with TLU stakeholders, especially the students. I instantly knew this was a community where I could add value, collaborate with passionate colleagues, and work tirelessly to support students as they navigate the college experience, especially our first-generation students. Over the coming weeks and months, I am looking forward to listening and learning from all of the various stakeholders within the TLU community and lead our team on a path forward that will build upon the exceptional work being done by the superstars within the Division of Student Life & Learning."

He is also a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), where he holds the Region III African American Knowledge Community Co-Representative position. Dr. Wade serves on the Conference Advisory Committee for the NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education and led Grambling State University’s efforts to successfully join the 2020 Cohort of the NASPA First Gen Forward Initiative.

Listed by digital leadership expert Dr. Josie Alhquist as one of the 40 Digital Leaders to Follow, Dr. Wade has been named a Higher Ed Digital Leader and serves as a member of the Student Affairs Digital Task Force, a national collective of social media and digital thought leaders in higher education. He was also a member of the 2017 Aspiring Vice Presidents for Student Affairs Cohort and was recognized by the HBCU Campaign Fund as a 2021 Emerging Higher Ed Professional.

TLU President Debbie Cottrell said Dr. Wade’s passion for serving students and his commitment to contributing to TLU’s future will position him well as he moves into this senior leadership role on campus.

"My deep appreciation goes to our Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sarah Ferguson and the members of the search committee (Jessica Anderson, Mark Dibble, Sam Hijazi, Andie Janicek, Bill Miller, Rosanna Noriega, and Elliott Powell) who performed critical work in evaluating applicants, coordinating and participating in interviews, reading campus feedback carefully, and providing guidance to me throughout the search process," said. Dr. Cottrell.

Dr. Ferguson said it was apparent from her very first contact with Dr. Wade that he displayed an excitement for student life and learning.

"At every point in the process, he showed a deep understanding of student affairs," said Dr. Ferguson. "It was very clear that he had done his homework about TLU and our students. His positivity is infectious and I'm excited for what that energy will bring to our campus."