Ohio State names acting vice president for student affairs

COLUMBUS – Richard Hollingsworth, associate vice president for student affairs, has been named acting vice president for student affairs, President Karen A. Holbrook announced today. The appointment of Hollingsworth, who has served in many roles at the university for 33 years, is subject to approval by the university's Board of Trustees at its Feb 3, 2006 meeting.

Holbrook said a national search will be conducted for a permanent replacement for Bill Hall, who died of cancer late last month. Hollingsworth's appointment is effective immediately.

"I am looking forward to working with Rich and am pleased that we are able to provide this continuity of leadership in the Office of Student Affairs," said Holbrook. The staff are to be commended for acting with professionalism and pulling together during this difficult period."

Hollingsworth has been associate vice president for student affairs since 2000, serving as senior advisor on policy and student development issues. His responsibilities include overseeing strategic planning, the student disciplinary system, student affairs research and assessment, and managing off-campus property acquisition. Since June 2005, he has provided oversight for the following Student Affairs units: Career Connection, Counseling and Consultation Services, Disability Services, Student Advocacy Center, Student Health Services and the Younkin Success Center. He also serves as liaison with the Office of Legal Affairs and the Student Personnel Assistant Program in the School of Public Policy and Leadership, College of Education. He also provides policy support for student governments and advises several student organizations.

With the exception of a three-year assignment as a special assistant to the university president in the late 1990s, Hollingsworth has spent his entire career in the division, beginning as a program assistant immediately after earning his bachelor's degree in education from Ohio State in 1973. He has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility, including coordinator of the Off-Campus Center, dean of student life, dean of students and assistant vice president. He earned a juris doctorate from the Capital University School of Law in 1981.

In addition, Hollingsworth has been an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Educational Policy and Leadership since 1985, regularly teaching courses in higher education and student leadership training. He chairs the University Sexual Assault and Student Affairs Diversity committees and is a member of the Council on Student Affairs. A frequent speaker on higher education topics, he is known to many as the person who gives the welcome remarks at commencement each quarter.

He lives in Dublin with his wife, Elsie Sanchez.