University Communications and Marketing
March 21, 2018
Dr. Joe Oravecz to become Vice President at Bridgewater State University
Contacts:
University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266
MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Dr. Joe Oravecz has been named vice president for student affairs and enrollment management of Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. He will begin this role on July 1, 2018.
In his nearly four-year tenure at Montana State University Billings, Oravecz oversaw the division of student affairs. He was instrumental in establishing student emergency aid programs such as the Yellowjacket Emergency Pantry and the Student Crisis Fund, and in the formation of the MSUB Mental Health Taskforce. He also worked with the Associated Students of MSU Billings to open a student armory.
Oravecz kept a pulse on student affairs nationwide, while also being invested in the local community serving as a Billings Public School District 2 board member. He strove to better align K-12 and higher education and raise awareness with Montana’s youth about the possibilities with further education.
“Joe deeply cares for students as evidenced in his student’s-first approach to decision making,” shared Interim Chancellor Dr. Ronald Larsen. “From serving as an ex-officio member on several student boards to holding Java with Dr. Joe sessions for students, he focused on engaging with students and helping them succeed.”
Dr. Robert Hoar, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs added, “The divisions of academic affairs and student affairs increased collaboration under Joe’s leadership. He will be missed.”
Prior to MSU Billings, Dr. Oravecz served as dean, division of student affairs at the University of Nebraska Kearney and as associate vice president for student affairs at Bowling Green State University.
He received his Ph.D. in higher education administration from Florida State University, an M.A. in higher education and student affairs from Ohio State University and his B.A. from Gettysburg College.
His 25 years of experience in student affairs served him well at MSU Billings and will continue into the future.
The search process for a replacement will begin immediately.
Dr. Larsen added, “MSU Billings has a history of developing leaders. While we hate to see leaders move on, we understand the desire to advance their careers.”