A goodbye within student affairs

Weber+State+University+students%2C+staff%2C+faculty+and+community+members+celebrate+the+opening+of+the+new+Outdoor+Adventure+and+Welcome+Center+on+the+WSU+Ogden+Campus+on+Feb.+3%2C+2021.+%28Weber+State+University%29

Benjamin Zack

Weber State University students, staff, faculty and community members celebrate the opening of the new Outdoor Adventure and Welcome Center on the WSU Ogden Campus on Feb. 3, 2021. (Weber State University)

Vice President of Student Affairs Brett Perozzi has announced his departure from Weber State University after serving student affairs for 15 years.

The first 10 of those years he worked as the Associate VP for Student Affairs until he was promoted to the VP in 2018.

Prior to his time at WSU, Perozzi worked at Arizona State University, Colorado State University and Indiana University, where he earned his Ph.D in Higher Education Administration.

Since being at WSU, he has been recognized by Indiana University’s College of Education with the Robert H. Schaffer award as an outstanding alum. He has also received the Pillar of the Profession distinction from NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

In his time here, he aided in establishing the WSU Peer Mentoring Program, Created the Access and Diversity area within student affairs, established the Basic Needs Network and established the Money Management Center and more.

The Peer Mentoring Program facilitates the co-creation of mentoring relationships to address gaps in access, persistence and graduation. It allows participants to receive college guidance and an opportunity to make friends.

The Basic Needs Network includes resources for students who are in need. This includes food, clothing, shelter, mental health, financial literacy, money management and more.

“Together the staff of student affairs has created a solid foundation in student learning and support using a variety of methods. We’ve tried new ideas, created new programs and services, and have learned a great deal during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Perozzi said. “Our division has set trends and modeled the way in a variety of areas, most notably a focus on employees and wellbeing. We have role modeled a level of flexibility that allows staff the opportunity to work in ways that are best suited for them, meet student needs, and support the university’s mission and goals.”

Perozzi also participated in the design, construction and opening of the Wildcat Village, Wildcat Center, Davis Stewart Center community spaces and the Welcome Center.

“I feel good about where we are and our ability to be as agile as possible and to meet students where they are to help them be successful in their academic careers,” Perozzi said.

President Brad Mortensen announced that he will meet with the members of the Student Affairs Leadership Team and seek input from other divisions to aid in selecting a new VP.

“I am at a point in my career where I want to do what I enjoy most and leverage my skills and experience to help people,” Perozzi said. “I will continue to serve in roles that bring me joy and help others be the best they can be.”

Perozzi’s contributions have aided students for 15 years and Mortensen hopes to continue this level of dedication with the Student Affairs team.

“Weber State, you have a great legacy and bright future! The students here are outstanding and will continue to enrich our community and greater society,” Perozzi said.