Deonne Giles Yeager began her new role as assistant vice president and dean of students in January 2024.
HPU announced the appointment of Deonne Giles Yeager as the University’s new assistant vice president and dean of students (AVP/DOS), effective January 2024. Yeager has a distinguished career in student affairs and brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to HPU’s diverse community that includes nearly 5,000 students from all 50 U.S. states, U.S. Territories, and over 60 countries.
“As the new dean of students at HPU, I am excited to join the community and am looking forward to further developing a student-centered approach to life beyond the classroom,” said Yeager. “A dean of students plays an important role in shaping student engagement, building community and advocating for students. I hope to serve our students while developing strong partnerships with faculty and staff to provide innovative and collaborative opportunities for students to learn and grow while at HPU.”
Yeager assumes the role of AVP/DOS at HPU by leading strategic initiatives in student affairs, life, and development. With a focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment, she will oversee the student experience that includes conduct processes and Title IX. Serving as a central point of contact for student concerns, she will help to promote vibrant community engagement through various activities, clubs, and leadership opportunities. In addition to managing residence hall operations and budgets, Yaeger will oversee the overall well-being and success of the HPU student body.
“We are very excited to welcome Deonne Giles Yeager to HPU as our new assistant vice president and dean of students. Her appointment is a testament to HPU's steadfast commitment to providing exemplary leadership in student affairs,” Provost and Senior Vice President Jennifer E. Walsh, Ph.D., said. “Deonne brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of accomplishment to HPU. She will undoubtedly play a crucial role in continuing to foster a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. We welcome her contributions in supporting the development of our wonderfully diverse student body and enhancing the overall learner experience.”
Yeager’s most recent role was assistant vice chancellor for student development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where she oversaw critical areas at the University such as Title IX, behavior intervention, emergency aid, and student crisis support. She chaired the students of concern team, served as the Title IX coordinator, and supervised a team of professionals supporting student life activities, events, and leadership opportunities.
Yeager served as director of university housing and judicial affairs at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where she effectively managed housing, residence life, and student conduct. Her achievements include transitioning housing from outsourced management to a university-run program, increasing the returning student residential population, and implementing measures to reduce recidivism in non-academic code of conduct cases.
Yeager’s diverse experience also includes serving as the director of career services at Averett University, where she provided leadership for a comprehensive career development office and successfully transitioned the federal work study program to the career services department.
Throughout her impressive career, Yeager has been actively involved in professional organizations such as ATIXA, American College Personnel Association, and the Association for Student Conduct Administrators. She holds certifications in Title IX coordination and investigation, demonstrating her dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment.
Yeager’s educational background includes an Ed.D. in leadership in higher education (anticipated completion date 2024) from Brenau University, a master's in counseling and guidance services from Clemson University, and a bachelor's in communications from Queens University of Charlotte.
