New Dean Of Students

Our new Dean of Students, Dr. Joseph A. Orevecz, despite being quite young, has an impressive list of accomplishments on his curriculum vitae, and enthusiasm to back it up. Originally hailing from Norwalk, Connecticut, Dr. Orevecz went to Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania for his bachelor’s degree, with a major in psychology and minored in both management and music. He acquired his masters in higher education and student affairs from Ohio State University, and while at Ohio State, he got involved with Residential Life and Student Activities. He later went on to Central Michigan University as assistant director of Student Life and director of student activities and leadership in Salisbury University in Maryland. After getting his Ph.D. from Florida State, Dr. Orevecz went on to Syracuse University, where he was dean of students within the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning.
Dr. Orevecz “loves working on a college campus” and is “thrilled to be here at UB.” With his open-door policy, he hopes to meet as many students as possible. He commented briefly on the “wonderful staff and faculty” and hopes to “take what [Janet Merritt] was able to do and take it further.” So, what he really wants to know is: what are the issues? In the fall he plans to create a Dean’s Advisory Council where students can hear and give ideas, and hopes by being “out and about” he can gain insight into what makes for a good Dean of Students. In an article about Orevecz’s departure from the school, The Daily Orange, the online newspaper for Syracuse University, reported favorable things about our new dean:
“He very much wants students to be involved in developing programs, developing policies and implementing programs,” said Laura Madelone, director of Off Campus Student Services at Syracuse University. “He’s very big on student activism and empowering students, which is why he was successful when he came into office.” This reporter hopes that this is an indication of good things to come.