I’ve approached this opportunity with a strong focus on relationship-building, visibility, and alignment around student success. I am intentional about listening, observing, and engaging broadly with students, faculty, and staff in a variety of settings. I’m looking for underlying patterns, such as barriers, unmet needs, or gaps in services that may impact the student experience. What has been energizing is seeing the strength of the work already happening at Lycoming and the many opportunities for cross-divisional collaboration to further support students. My goal is to connect what I’m hearing across campus to meaningful, coordinated action in a proactive rather than reactive manner that enhances the student experience. I also stepped into a division with a talented team and a strong foundation. Bringing together student life, student success, and athletics has created a cohesive structure, and I see my role as aligning resources, providing strategic direction, and supporting our team so they can continue to do their best work in service of our students. success mean to you in today’s higher education landscape? I view student success holistically in the ways we are supporting students academically, socially, and professionally so they can thrive while they’re here and leave prepared to succeed in whatever path they choose. It’s essential that we create an environment where all students have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed. That includes strong academic resources, meaningful engagement and a sense of belonging, leadership/skill development through clubs and organizations, and support for wellness to help students navigate challenges in their journey. I interact daily with students at campus events, athletic games, and through many aspects of my role, and it is truly the most rewarding part of my work. Being visible and approachable is very important to me, so I make a point to be present in spaces where students gather. I regularly dine in the campus dining areas and attend evening and weekend events, which allow for meaningful, informal connections. I especially value the moments when students feel comfortable stopping to say hello, ask questions, or share their experiences. Additionally, I intentionally create structured opportunities for engagement, such as hosting focus groups and collaborating closely with Student Senate and other student leadership organizations. & WITH SUZANNE O’DRISCOLL As the first person to hold this position, how are you approaching the opportunity to define and shape it? What does student success mean to you in today’s higher education landscape? FOSTERING COMMUNITY: Meet the vice president for student affairs and success BY JULIA BIDELSPACH ’27 A Philadelphia-area native and lifelong fan of the city’s sports, culture, and history, Suzanne O’Driscoll, D.Prof., discovered her passion for student affairs as an undergraduate student leader and resident assistant. Most recently associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Shenandoah University, she further developed her leadership through an American Council on Education Fellowship at Widener University. With a career rooted in small liberal arts colleges, O’Driscoll was drawn to Lycoming College’s mission and joined the institution in 2025 as its inaugural vice president for student affairs and success. success mean to you in today’s higher education landscape? How do you plan to engage directly with students to understand their needs and experiences? 12 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTA3NDk=