Lori B. McClaind
Assistant Vice President and Dean for Student Success and Advocacy
Lori B. McClaind has dedicated nearly 30 years to higher education, focusing on academic success, retention, and student transitions. As Assistant Vice President and Dean for Student Success and Advocacy, she oversees a comprehensive portfolio including the Academic Success & Writing Center, the Office of Academic Transitions, the First-Year Experience, disability support services, and student support and case management services. Most recently the Associate Dean of Academic Life & Student Transitions, she serves as a vital bridge between academic affairs and student life.
Ms. McClaind’s career is highlighted by her expertise in managing complex student circumstances and transforming the new-student experience. As the inaugural Assistant Dean for the Office of the First-Year Experience, she developed long-term strategies to integrate students into the campus community, and later established the Office of Academic Transitions to support students in academic jeopardy. Her initiatives, such as the Summer Success & Aid Program, are designed to strengthen academic skills and remove barriers to graduation.
A collaborative leader, Ms. McClaind routinely works with faculty and administrators across colleges to advocate for student needs. She has held significant leadership roles on university-wide initiatives, including serving as a Co-Lead for the Middle States Working Group and as Tri-Chairperson for the Council for Equity and Community. Her work underscores a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the entire campus.
Ms. McClaind holds an M.Ed. in Counselor Education and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia and is currently pursuing a Board Certified Behavioral Analysis certificate.