Who We Are

Our Foundation, Our Focus

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the Division of Student Life is united by a shared mission, vision, and set of guiding principles. These statements are more than words—they are our north star. They define who we are, what we stand for, and how we serve students. No matter our role, these commitments ground our work and move us forward with purpose. When we stay aligned in our shared focus, we create environments where all Huskers— our students and staff—feel supported and inspired.

Mission

Foster POWERful experiences and communities fundamental to student success.

Vision

A campus where all Huskers can co-create the path to achieve their goals.

Guiding Principles

Be Present

We show up fully—attentive, engaged, and responsive—to create meaningful, authentic connections. 

Being present fosters a supportive culture where students can thrive. 

Care Deeply

We champion the well-being, growth, and success of every student, staff member, and community member. 

Caring deeply means going beyond duty to lead with empathy, respect, and compassion. 

Act Responsibly

We lead with integrity, fairness, and accountability in every interaction and decision. 

Acting responsibly means making decisions that reflect our mission and uphold the trust placed in us by our community. 

Build Tomorrow

We put students first, anticipating needs and embracing innovation to meet tomorrow’s challenges. 

Building for the future means being strategic stewards of our mission— today and for generations to come.

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Life

  1. Avatar for Dee Dee Anderson
    Vice Chancellor for Student Life Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ADMS 106
    Lincoln NE 68588-0423
    Phone
    Work 402-472-3755 On-campus 2-3755
    Email
    danderson75@unl.edu
    Website
  1. Avatar for Jordan Foreman-Black
    Director, Assessment & Learning Outcomes Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ADMS 106
    Lincoln NE 68588-0423
    Phone
    Work 402-472-1035 On-campus 2-1035
    Email
    jblack2@unl.edu
  1. Avatar for Dan Kohler
    Director of Marketing & Communications Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    NU 332B
    Lincoln NE 68588-0453
    Phone
    Work 402-472-3064 On-campus 2-3064
    Email
    dkohler2@unl.edu
  1. Avatar for Ryan Lahne
    Assistant Vice Chancellor Engagement & Success Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ADMS 106
    Lincoln NE 68588-0423
    Phone
    Work 402-472-8166 On-campus 2-8166
    Email
    ryanlahne@unl.edu
  1. Avatar for T.J. McDowell Jr.
    Asstistant Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ADMS 106
    Lincoln NE 68588-0423
    Phone
    Work 402-472-3755 On-campus 2-3755
    Email
    tmcdowell2@unl.edu
  1. Avatar for Ruth Oliver Andrew
    Director of Staff Development Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ADMS 106
    Lincoln NE 68588-0423
    Phone
    Work 402-472-0435 On-campus 2-0435
    Email
    ruth.oliver@unl.edu
  1. Avatar for Josh Overocker
    Associate Vice Chancellor Auxiliaries & Well-being Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ADMS 106
    Lincoln NE 68588-0423
    Phone
    Work 402-472-3755 On-campus 2-3755
    Email
    joverocker12@unl.edu
  1. Avatar for Tony Rathgeber
    Chief of Staff & Associate to the Vice Chancellor Student Life University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ADMS 106
    Lincoln NE 68588-0423
    Phone
    Work 402-472-3755 On-campus 2-3755
    Email
    trathgeber@unl.edu