LATROBE, PA — Dr. JW Tabacchi was recently hired as senior director of student affairs at Saint Vincent College.
As senior director of student affairs, Tabacchi is responsible for the overall development and success of students at SVC; providing supervision and guidance to the offices of Campus Life, Commuter Affairs, Multicultural Affairs, Residence Life and Student Conduct; and leadership of the Saint Vincent CARE (Concern, Assessment, Response, Evaluation) Team. Tabacchi, who started in his new position Aug. 11, is also the first-line contact and problem resolution for parents, students, campus and community members, and others to assist in optimizing students’ experiences.
“My goal is to create a supportive and welcoming environment for students as I oversee student services, address student concerns and promote a student-centered culture across the campus,” Tabacchi said. “In this role, I provide leadership and strategic direction in all matters of student affairs, student life and student services for the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tabacchi as the senior director of student affairs,” said Dr. Dana Winters, C’06, vice president for enrollment and student success at Saint Vincent College. “His vast higher education experience and deep commitment to supporting students will be instrumental to shaping the future of student affairs. I look forward to working alongside Dr. Tabacchi as we strengthen Saint Vincent’s commitment to holistic student support.”
Tabacchi has more than 17 years of experience in higher education, throughout which he’s filled a variety of roles at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. He has extensive experience in overseeing student affairs departments, successfully leading strategic initiatives that enhance the student experience and foster a supportive campus environment. Before coming to SVC, Tabacchi served as director of student affairs at Penn State New Kensington.
Tabacchi earned a bachelor’s degree in 2007 in religious studies at the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville and a Master of Arts in adult and community education in 2008 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned a Doctor of Education in higher education management in 2017 from the University of Pittsburgh.
“It’s been such a whirlwind since my first day in August,” Tabacchi said. “Starting right before the beginning of classes allowed me to hit the ground running and witness firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the Saint Vincent community as we welcomed both new and returning students.
“I look forward to working alongside the talented staff and student leaders in the Student Affairs department to develop engaging programs and initiatives that encourage students to learn and grow beyond the classroom while embracing the Benedictine values that guide our community.”
