About the Dean of Students Office
Our Work
We know that life doesn’t stop while students are in college. When life throws challenges in students’ way, we’re here to help them create plans, connect to resources, and gain the confidence to get back on track. We work with students, families, friends, and faculty. We’re a friendly, caring team ready to listen and assist. We welcome referrals, scheduled appointments, and drop-in appointments.
Dean of Students
- Mark Sikes - Dean of Students
Dean’s Team
- Shaka Sydnor - Associate Dean and Director
- Tamara Cherry-Clarke - Senior Assistant Dean of Students
- Tara Frank - Senior Assistant Dean for Residential Case Management
- Page Fetter - Assistant Dean for First-Generation Student Success
- Phillip Hernandez de Wright - Assistant Dean of Students
- JillAnn Knonenborg - Assistant Dean for Interfaith Leadership
- Teresa “Tess” Blethyn - Assistant Dean
- Shane-Justin “Shane” Nu’uhiwa - Assistant Director of Case Management Services
- Heidi Klockenbrink - Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
- Kimberly Gautier - Administrative Manager
- Jamal Jefferson-Ross - Assistant Program Coordinator (Graduate Assistant)
Connect with the Dean of Students
- Drop-in: 109 New Hall West
Email: dean.students@vt.edu- Phone: 540-231-3787
- Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- After Hours/Weekends: 365 days a year (routed through Virginia Tech Police Department): 540-231-6411, press 1
Emergency Contacts
- ACCESS: Emergency services clinicians are available to meet with you at your location. A friend or family member can call for you if you feel that you are unable to do so yourself. Call 540-961-8400.
- CONNECT: A 24-hour referral and emergency evaluation service of Carillion Health Care. Call 1-800-284-8898 or 540-981-8181.
- Cook Counseling Center: If you are concerned about yourself or any Virginia Tech student being (or becoming) suicidal, please call the Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557. This number can be used during regular office hours or after-hours to speak with a counselor.
- RESPOND: A mental health assessment and referral service of Montgomery Regional Hospital and Lewis Gale Hospital. Call 540-776-1100 or 800-541-999.
- Police: 911.