DeSales Strengthens Student-Centered Mission with New VP

DeSales University is proud to welcome Brian Mauro, Ph.D., as its new vice president for student life, a role that will further advance the University’s mission of fostering a holistic, values-driven student experience. Mauro’s appointment comes at a time when the University—guided by Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D.—is setting its course for a transformative future rooted in its recently unveiled Onward! strategic plan (2025–28).

At DeSales, students are at the center of everything. The University has long provided an experience that supports students academically, socially, spiritually, and personally—ensuring they are equipped to thrive during their time on campus and beyond graduation. From first-year students beginning their journeys to adult learners pursuing advanced degrees, DeSales aims to foster a culture where every student feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

To further this student experience, Mauro brings more than two decades of progressive higher education leadership. His passion for student engagement, wellness, and retention dovetails with central priorities at DeSales—enhancing the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.

As vice president for student life, Mauro will oversee the programs that bring this vision to life to ensure that DeSales students not only succeed in their studies but also experience the holistic growth that defines the DeSales Salesian education. Key strategic initiatives include:

• Implementing a comprehensive retention plan to support all students—traditional day, graduate, and adult studies—from recruitment to graduation.
• Strengthening the Be Well initiative to foster resilience and holistic well-being and create an environment where students thrive emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.
• Coordinating the University’s colleges and alumni community into an interactive network to provide practical experiences and career development for all students.

Fr. Greenfield, who consistently champions student-centered initiatives, has made student experience, retention, and well-being central tenets of his leadership. “Dr. Mauro’s energy, vision, and passion for students are exactly what we need as DeSales continues to grow and thrive,” says Fr. Greenfield. “His leadership will help us deepen our student-centered mission and continue to prepare our graduates not only for successful careers, but for meaningful, values-driven lives.”

Mauro shares, “I am joining DeSales at a truly exciting time. The University’s success, in my view, is a direct reflection of its strong leadership and steadfast commitment to its core values. At DeSales, we are fortunate not only to have good leaders, but great ones. When skilled leadership is paired with a student body deeply committed to the DeSales mission, the result is a community that thrives. I am both honored and eager to contribute to this leadership team, which empowers students ‘to be who they are and to be that well.’”

Noted as a University that provides high-quality, experiential learning for students, DeSales University is continually recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Top Performer on Social Mobility. For students and families, this recognition highlights the tangible value of a DeSales education: a pathway not only to a degree, but to meaningful personal and professional advancement.

With Mauro joining DeSales at this pivotal moment, the University reaffirms its commitment to building a genuinely student-centered campus, where strategic vision, values, and leadership converge to help every student thrive as their authentic selves.