St. Lawrence University Announces New Vice President for Student Life

Canton, NY (01/11/2024) — St. Lawrence University has named Jonathan Duraj its Vice President of Student Life, President Kathryn A. Morris announced on January 4. Duraj, who will play a central role in defining a culture and sense of community on campus while promoting students' intellectual growth, identity exploration, reflective leadership and responsible citizenship will begin on March 25.

President Morris shared, "During the interview process, Jon's experience, collaborative style, focus on data-informed decisions, and leadership were evident. His demonstrated experience working with colleagues in academic affairs to successfully impact retention will serve him well in his new role leading our student life division."

Jon has worked at Wittenberg University in Ohio, his alma mater, since 2011 and has taken on progressively greater responsibilities during that time. He has played an integral role in many of the core areas of student life, with an emphasis on student success and support, orientation, student well-being, late-night programming, and student employment. During his tenure, he has had responsibility for the implementation of the institution's strategic plan's four cross-divisional initiatives focused on culture change and transforming the student experience.

After graduating from Wittenberg, where he majored in management with a concentration in international business, he earned a master's degree in higher education administration from the University of Dayton. Jon earned his Ph.D. in higher education administration from Ohio University and wrote his dissertation about fundraising responsibilities at small, private, liberal arts colleges for student life staff.

About St. Lawrence University:

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,000 students located in Canton, New York. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity and the planet. Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global. Visit www.stlawu.edu.