President Robin Holmes-Sullivan has appointed Ben Meoz as the next Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Ben has been serving as Interim Vice President since April. This new appointment is effective Monday, August 18.
“Ben has proven himself to be an effective and innovative leader who cares deeply about students and the mission of the College,” Holmes-Sullivan said. “As Interim VP, Ben has provided steady leadership to the Division. He has also made significant contributions to the Executive Council, bringing sharp insights and a solutions-oriented approach to challenges. It has become abundantly clear to me that he is the right person to lead the Division of Student Life during this crucial time for the unit and the institution.”
Meoz brings more than a decade of experience in student affairs leadership and has demonstrated a commitment to developing student centered opportunities, practices, and policies. Prior to Lewis & Clark, Meoz spent seven years in residential life at University of Washington. Originally hired as Director of Campus Living at Lewis & Clark, he was quickly promoted to Assistant Dean of Campus Life and then to Associate Vice President for Campus Life / Senior Associate Dean of Students in 2023. As Interim Vice President, Meoz has successfully overseen the division, as well as served as a member of Executive Council which, along with President Holmes-Sullivan, is the institution’s lead decision-making body.
“I could not be more excited to step into this role as the next Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students,” Meoz said. “Lewis & Clark College has an indomitable strength and sense of place, embodied by the students who choose L&C and the community of dedicated faculty and staff who welcome them. Since I started at L&C, I have been continually inspired by this community’s drive to excel and grow, evident throughout our campus.”
Meoz’s path to student affairs began with what he describes as a challenging academic and campus transition as a neurodivergent student from a small high school entering a large public research university. His sociology studies intersected with his own student experiences and identities to shape his desire to continue to help students create their college experience and thrive. He went on to pursue an M.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont where he continued to work across offices that supported students from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. His interest in strengthening his skills as a leader and facilitator led him to pursue an Interdisciplinary PhD in Communication, Psychology, and Social Work at the University of Washington which he earned in 2020.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to work alongside President Holmes-Sullivan and the Executive Council, and with our students, faculty, and staff as we do more than just navigate the future of higher education, but work to define it,” Meoz said.
