Courtesy of Julie Wong
After spending four years as the regional vice chancellor of student affairs at USF St. Petersburg, Dr. Julie Wong, 54, has accepted a new position in her home state of California.
Before coming to USFSP, Dr. Wong served three years serving as regional vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of Colorado Boulder. She planned to move back to California, where she was born and raised, but when she was offered an opportunity to work at USFSP, she took it.
Dr. Wong came to USFSP in 2011. She was drawn to the friendly students on campus, who she says are down to earth and hardworking. She was also attracted to the location and the potential for growth.
According to Dr. Wong, her biggest accomplishment was helping with the construction of the University Student Center, and working to establish the first dining service faculty on campus. She credits both to enhancing student life here on campus.
Dr. Wong says she is a “builder” and loves the opportunity to construct new buildings. She was able to be part of a lot of new building opportunities while at USFSP.
In addition to the new USC building, Dr. Wong also assisted with the renovations of the Student Life Center and the new residence hall that was built inside the USC in 2012.
During her time at USFSP she watched the number of clubs and organizations on campus grow from 30 to 100. She worked closely with the student leaders on campus and the faculty and staff to help make this campus what it is today.
“We just brought a lot of life to campus, before it was like a commuter campus,” Dr. Wong told The Crow’s Nest.
She recognized that although more students were living on campus, there were still a large number of commuters. She made sure to reach out to these students as well through events like the “Commuter Dine and Dash,” which gave commuters the opportunity to grab a bite to eat before heading back to their cars.
Dr. Wongs hope for USFSP is that the students continue to work hard and stay engaged.
“It’s all about building a family and a community,” said Dr. Wong. “When students graduate they should feel a lot of pride, and the pride comes from being involved.”
Dr. Wong holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure studies from San Jose State University, a master’s degree in student affairs from Michigan State University and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Southern California.
“I love mentoring students and empowering them,” Dr. Wong said. “Always encouraging them to grow and develop.”
After completing her final day at USFSP last week, she is now back in her home state of California, where she is happy to be close to family and friends.
Dr. Wong accepted a new job at California State University, East Bay, which is part of the California State University system. There, she will continue to work as the regional vice chancellor of student affairs. She says the students at her new college are very similar to those here at USFSP, and she feels it is a good fit for her.
With Dr. Wong’s departure, Dr. Gardner Tucker Jr. will serve as interim regional associate vice chancellor of student affairs, beginning on Jan. 26.
Dr. Tucker previously worked on campus as the interim dean of students and director of housing. He was involved with the formation of the strategic plan, which, among other goals, plans campus growth from 4,700 to 10,000 students by 2024.
