On May 20, Southwestern University President Edward Burger announced the retirement of Vice President for Student Life Jerry Brody, effective late summer/early fall, and his successor, Dean of Students Jaime Woody.  

In his announcement, Burger said, “During my almost two years as president, I’ve witnessed the pivotal role Jerry has played in the lives of Southwestern students. As a constant advocate for our students’ holistic development, he has often said, ‘There is no greater job for those of us in Student Life than seeing our students develop into thoughtful, independent, responsible, and civic-minded adults.’ It was no surprise when the Associated Colleges of the South recognized Jerry last December with the Leonard Goldberg Citation, presented to a chief student affairs officer acknowledging his or her notable and enduring contributions.”

Brody’s accomplishments during his 11 years at Southwestern range from initiating the Pirate Bike Program, Friday Night Live, Cinematic Saturdays, Late Night Robertson, and a major spring concert/festival to the establishment of women’s health services, the development of emergency response plans and a team, the creation of the cross-cultural center, the chartering of an Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Chapter, and the formation of four new intercollegiate sports teams. 

Woody, who has served in Southwestern’s Office of Student Life since 1991, will immediately succeed Brody as Vice President of Student Life. During her most recent three-year tenure as Dean of Students, Woody oversaw the revamping and strengthening of the Southwestern Honor Code and Honor Code Council, worked to ensure University compliance with ever-changing federal directives and legislation, and ensured that every student had the opportunity to live on campus. Burger said, “Of utmost importance, Jaime has advised, counseled and assisted scores of students, not only nurturing and mentoring them, but actually changing and sometimes saving lives.”

Brody added, “Dean Woody has been the indefatigable, positive spirit behind Student Life for more than a decade. Much, if not all, of what we have accomplished in the last several years could not have been possible without Dean Woody.”

Southwestern will immediately begin a national searches for a new Dean of Students and for the Director of Residence Life to complete the Student Life leadership team.