Greg Boardman to retire at the end of the academic year

Boardman, who has led Stanford’s Student Affairs division for more than a decade, has distinguished himself as a collaborative leader, working closely with individual students, student organizations and academic units across campus to enhance community engagement and student well-being.

Greg Boardman, vice provost for student affairs, who has led the division for more than a decade, will retire Aug. 31. Provost Persis Drell will share plans for a search committee early in spring quarter.

Greg Boardman

Greg Boardman (Image credit: L.A. Cicero)

Since 2005, Boardman has provided leadership to a division that currently includes nearly 300 professional staff and encompasses a wide range of units that support undergraduate and graduate students outside the classroom. He has distinguished himself as a collaborative leader, working closely with individual students, student organizations and academic units across campus to enhance community engagement and student well-being.

“Greg’s devotion to the whole student has been unwavering throughout his career,” said former provost John Etchemendy. “At Stanford, he has championed students’ development as lifelong learners and leaders. He has been a supportive friend and mentor to students and staff, through both happy times and troubled times.  I am grateful for his many contributions to Stanford.”

A number of new areas have been established under Boardman’s direction, including the Diversity and First-Generation Office; the Office of Sexual Assault & Relationship Abuse Education & Response; the Office of Alcohol Policy and Education; the Office for Military Affiliated Communities; the Markaz: Resource Center and the Student Services Center. He partnered with the Office for Religious Life to establish the Windhover contemplation center.

Last spring, Boardman launched the “Future of Student Affairs” initiative, an inclusive, staff-led strategic planning process designed to explore ways in which the division can optimize its resources; improve its communication with students, faculty and staff; enhance the VPSA staff experience; and respond proactively to student needs.

“VPSA’s programs are robust and grounded in thoughtful research and innovation,” Boardman said. “Our mission is to educate students to make meaningful contributions as citizens of a complex world. Our staff is creative, collaborative and committed to excellence and inclusion. As I prepare to make a new home near Santa Fe, New Mexico, I know that Stanford’s students will be in good hands.”

Beyond Student Affairs, Boardman serves on the Stanford Athletics Board, the Stanford Alumni Association Board, the Haas Center for Public Service National Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees of the St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont. He also serves on the foundation board for NASPA, which serves student affairs administrators in higher education.

Throughout his career, Boardman has been dedicated to student life, beginning with positions at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.   Between 1980 and 1988, he served as director of fraternity programs and university apartments; assistant to the vice president for student life; and director of special student life programs.

Before coming to Stanford in 2004 as dean of students, Boardman held several positions at Tulane University in New Orleans, beginning as assistant dean for Greek affairs and leadership programs. He also served as associate dean for student life and assistant vice president for student life. He served as associate vice president for student life at Tulane from 2000 to 2004.

Boardman earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of Vermont in 1979 and a master’s degree in education from Pennsylvania State University in 1982.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the VPSA staff, our students and my colleagues across the university for their passionate dedication to Stanford. Working with you and for you has made my time on the Farm one of the most rewarding and inspiring chapters of my life,” Boardman said.