A Q&A with Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Vernon Hurte

By Kyle Hobstetter on February 20, 2020

Vernon Hurte has spent his entire adult life working in student affairs. In that time, the passion for helping students not only succeed, but thrive in a college environment, has only grown.

Dr. Hurte is now bringing his passion to Towson University. After a nationwide search, he was named vice president of student affairs on December 12, 2019, after serving as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Iowa State University. In total, he has worked 18 years in higher education.

“My undergraduate experiences really inspired me into becoming a student affairs professional,” Hurte says. “I had an awesome college experience and much of that had to do with the mentorship I received from the dedicated student affairs professionals I was fortunate to have around me while an undergraduate student at Bowie State University.

“That experience inspired my desire to become a student affairs professional and invest in student success the way my mentors did for me then, and in many cases, still do today.” 

Read More: Vernon Hurte to lead Student Affairs at TU  

In his career, Hurte has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including being named in 2010 as one of InSpire Magazine’s “Top 40 Inspirers in America.” 

He and his partner Regenea have two children, Myéva and Vernon II; and their 120-pound Italian mastiff, Ceasar. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family, traveling, working out and playing golf. 

He’s also hoping to become known as the social media presence of the Student Affairs office. Students can follow his Instagram and Twitter accounts, which he has already updated several times in just a few days. 

In his first week at TU, Dr. Hurte sat down with Towson University and discussed what brought him to Towson University, what he's hoping to accomplish and how he’s hoping to help students succeed.

What made you want to come to Towson University?

"Towson University is a leading university with a powerful vision for the future. The opportunity to partner with staff, faculty and students to continue to enrich the student experience, while also providing leadership that leads to positive impact within the Greater Baltimore community and beyond, excites me and aligns with my sense of purpose as a student affairs educator."

With this new opportunity, what are you most excited about?

"We have a dynamic student affairs team here at TU. I’m excited about leading and leveraging the collective talent and creative energy of our student affairs team and other campus partners, and most importantly, our students, to imagine new possibilities for elevating the experience for all TU students. My hope is that every student is positioned and supported to truly thrive at Towson University."

Arriving here and interviewing with current staff, what was your first impression?

"Passion and commitment. That’s the thread that connected every conversation I’ve had. Members of the TU community are passionate about and fully committed to supporting student success."

Being named as Vice President of Student Affairs, what does it mean for you to have this position?

"I’m humbled by the opportunity. I’m truly grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from so many members of the TU community, and I’m excited to work with President Schatzel and Provost Perreault, both of whom have a deep commitment to our students and a real appreciation for the role that the Division of Student Affairs plays in supporting holistic student success. The opportunities ahead are exciting."

From your time in higher education, what have you heard about Towson University and what are you expecting from this new position?

"I’m a product of the University System of Maryland, so I have known of Towson University my entire adult life. When I was heading to college, my knowledge of TU was primarily based on its reputation for preparing teachers. When I was exploring TU as a candidate for this leadership role, I was so impressed to see how expansive the academic offerings have become over the years. In this role, I’m expecting many opportunities to work with partners on- and off-campus to create unique and impactful co-curricular learning opportunities for our students. I also expect this role will allow me opportunities to continue to grow and learn from those I’m privileged to engage with in the years to come."

What’s your favorite thing about working on a college campus?

"Students! I’m committed to being a lifelong learner, and throughout my career, I’ve learned so much from the students I’ve been privileged to serve. I look forward to getting to know and learning from our great students here at TU."

Why is higher education important and what opportunities can it offer to students, in your opinion?

"As a first-generation college graduate, in many ways, my life is a testament to the power of education. The college experience allows students to be stretched and grow intellectually and personally, engage in leadership development opportunities, be exposed to the broader global community, and ultimately, prepare for a fruitful career after completing one’s degree. Towson University really provides all of this and more."

What are you hoping to bring to TU and what can students expect from you?

"I believe I bring a record of student-centered leadership that has led to successful partnerships across academic and student affairs. My leadership approach is grounded in a commitment to inclusive excellence and intentional partnerships. Students can expect me to be highly visible, approachable and a passionate advocate for ALL students."

What are some of the goals you are hoping to accomplish in your first year on campus?

"My primary goal in my first year is to learn more about TU, build relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and hopefully, contribute to the strategic planning process that’s already underway. This will help set the stage for developing our strategic action to further strengthen the student experience and elevate our position as a national leader in the field. One of my major areas of priority is on student wellness, so I look forward to working with our team and campus partners to explore how we can continue to support student wellness across the university."