Gary Van Zinderen
Director of Student Services • Fargo , US • garyvanzinderen.com [email protected]
Gary Van Zinderen has over 20 years of experience in higher education. During his career, Gary has dedicated his life to cultivating environments that foster opportunities to experience the exchange of thoughts, beliefs, and information.
While serving for such institutions as the University of Jamestown, Frostburg State University, Ithaca College, and Johns Hopkins University, Gary has assumed a variety of responsibilities that bridge his passions for academics and student affairs. As a leader in the student affairs profession, his goal is to engage students in a challenging and supportive environment with a team approach.
He finds it incredibly rewarding to watch students grow into responsible members of a global community who value difference and possess moral sensitivity.
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Education
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is the state's flagship institution, with more than 15,000 students and 200+ fields of study.
UND was voted one of the Top 25 Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Reports in 2018.
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Minnesota State University Moorhead is an opportunity-rich learning community where students are empowered to reach their highest potential academically and personally.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public four-year university located in Mankato, Minnesota. As of Fall 2015, the student body is the second largest in the state of Minnesota with over 15,000 students, with the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus ranking first.
Work Experience
Dean of Students
University of Jamestown
Sept. 2007 - July 2017
As the Dean of Students at the University of Jamestown, Gary Van Zinderen played an instrumental role in developing student life on campus. He was responsible for overall supervision and leadership of the Division of Student Life, Residence Life, Orientation, Student Conduct, Student Activities, Intramural's, Foss Wellness Center, Campus Safety, Conference Services, and the Annual Campus/Community Block Party. Strategic Planning Gary served in collaboration with Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet, Student Senate, President, and faculty. He was also representative in the development of college strategic plans and implemented and assessed the strategic plans for the Division of Student Affairs. Policy Development and Review Gary Van Zinderen lead a full review of campus judicial procedures and implementation of contemporary Student Conduct Theory. He also coordinated adjudication policies, procedures, and regulations of the student code of conduct in order to ensure fair developmental judicial proceedings. Retention Gary was responsible for the development and implementation of campus retention programs in conjunction with the VP for Academic Affairs and the VP of Enrollment Management. Program Development and Management Leads campus-wide initiatives, chairs campus-wide committees, and task forces for the New Student Orientation program, Journey to Success Program. Gary chaired the Look Inward Committee and Development of Character in Leadership elements. He is responsible for the management of eight campus housing facilities that house 723 occupants. Provides oversight of the planning and implementation of the University of Jamestown First Year Experience Program that includes the revision of The Journey 101, an introduction to higher education course, and training of the First Year Peer Mentors. Passionate about student involvement on campus, Gary Van Zinderen also created the University of Jamestown Student Involvement and Leadership Awards program.
Director, Lane University Center
Frostburg State University
Aug. 2001 - Aug. 2007
Gary Van Zinderen served as both the Director of Student Activities and Director of the Lane University Center at Frostburg University. - Supervised and trained full-time and part-time exempt and non-exempt staff - Managed and directed Lane University Center operational budget - Administered department policies and procedures as they relate to client use of the building and related services, including annual review and revision, as needed. - Instructor for Introduction to Higher Education 101 and served as academic advisor for 25 students In addition to his regular duties, Gary Van Zinderen was also responsible for the management of the Lane University Center Game Room operation and negotiated contract agreement with the vending company.
Director of Student Activities
Frostburg State University
Feb. 2001 - Aug. 2004
As Director of Student Activities, Gary Van Zinderen had these responsibilities: - Developed, coordinated, and evaluated both extracurricular and co-curricular activities, based upon an Educationally Developmental programming rationale - Advisor to the University Programming Board, UPC and Center Stage Board. The Programming Boards for Frostburg State University had an annual budget of $300,000 - Supervised the Program Advisor for the Office of Student and Community Involvement. Hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated Program Advisor - Independently negotiated and executed University entertainment and performance contracts - Managed the administration and review of Frostburg State's Risk Management program - Collected and synthesized assessment data for the Office of Student and Community Involvement - Managed department publications. Reviewed and updated publications, emphasizing electronic formatting and stronger graphic imaging
