By: Lilyana Jewell
October 12, 2026
This past summer, Thiel College welcomed its new Dean of Students, Dr. DaVaughn Vincent-Bryan, known to students as “Dr. DVB.” Having experience from a multitude of other educational institutions, Dr. DVB is bringing years of knowledge to Thiel College’s campus. His efforts to improve the college’s many facets are reflected in his new creation: the Dean of Students Advisory Board. This board is comprised of ten students, each of which were selected based on their diversity, accomplishments, and aspirations, from all walks of life.
The board will be responsible for bringing concerns to Dr. DVB’s attention, which will then allow for appropriate change. A gathering of students with various lifestyles and perspectives will foster valuable conversations about the most important parts of student life. This organization, though new, has already made differences on campus, whether it be solving communication issues regarding toilet paper supply, or adjusting for inflation in the Bistro. As Chairperson of the Dean of Students Advisory Board, I will be Dr. DVB’s right hand in these matters. Our Recorder, Joy Spang, will be overseeing our bookkeeping to ensure that we stay on track with our goals and hold ourselves accountable.
In Dr. DVB’s words, “The Dean of Students Advisory Board reflects a simple but important belief: students should not only experience the decisions we make as a college, they should have meaningful opportunities to inform them. Our goal is to create a space where students are heard, their perspectives are taken seriously, and their insights help shape the Thiel experience. This is about building relationships, strengthening trust, and working together to make our campus community better.” With his expertise and consideration, Thiel students should welcome this new chapter of betterment. There is nothing more important in any college experience than feeling like your voice matters.
Being Chairperson of this Board has been an honor thus far, despite the short amount of time that has passed. I have many goals for us to achieve in the near future, and I am excited to see what we will accomplish. One of my most prized skills is my ability to listen. As I am also a staff writer for this newspaper, conducting interviews with the student body will not only help me write any article, but it will also provide me with the knowledge I need about how students are feeling and what they are thinking.
This board is a student-led organization that our Dean of Students is supporting, not just another club that does a fun event every so often. Students should take advantage of our capabilities and desire for change. Any time that an issue arises, no matter how niche or widespread, the board will listen to the concerns of the student body and act accordingly.
Tomcat pride has never been so strong!
The first Dean of Students Advisory Board meeting. From left to right: Matthew Brittenbaugh, Paxton Short, Dr. DVB and Joy Spang. Photo taken by Ian Slippy.
