David Dearden, Ed.D., leads the Wilder School Office of Student Success, a one-stop shop for student advising, mentorship, engagement and opportunities for experiential learning.

A student-focused journey

Q: What first sparked your interest in working in higher ed?

A: I started my career in higher education as a campus minister at the University of Buffalo. In that role, I had the chance to work closely with faculty and staff and see the many different ways they supported students. That experience helped me realize that my passion was helping students succeed, not only in their spiritual lives, but also academically.

Q: What’s one student success project you’ve worked on that made you go, “This is why I do this”?

A: At a previous institution, I helped launch a peer mentoring program for first-generation students. Seeing students who once felt isolated find confidence, community, and academic success reminded me why this work matters.

Leading with listening and compassion

Q: You’ve studied theology, business, and education—how do those experiences show up in your day-to-day work?

A: The common thread is compassion. In advising, leadership, or student success initiatives, compassion helps me pause and consider the human side of every challenge. It shapes how I listen to students, support colleagues, and build trust across the campus.

Q: What’s your secret to building strong campus partnerships and keeping everyone on the same page?

A: For me, it always comes back to communication, transparency, and trust. Clear communication makes sure everyone knows the goals and expectations. Being transparent about challenges as well as successes helps build credibility with colleagues. And trust is what keeps partnerships strong over time. When people know they can count on you to be honest and follow through, it creates a real sense of collaboration.

Q: What’s one lesson a student has taught you that you’ll never forget?

A: A student once told me, “Sometimes I don’t need someone to fix the problem. I just need someone to believe I can get through it.” That moment reinforced the importance of listening first and letting students lead their own journey.

Looking back to move forward

Q: What advice would you give your younger self when you were just starting out in student affairs?

A: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Early in my career, I feared that asking questions would make me seem unprepared and uneducated. I’ve learned that asking questions shows curiosity, a willingness to grow, and a desire to get things right.

Q: If you could design a course based on your passions, what would you call it and what would it cover?

A: I’d call it First-Gen Journeys. The course would focus on the experiences of first-generation college students, exploring themes like identity, resilience, and pathways to success. It would also give students a space to reflect on their own journeys and connect with others who share similar experiences. The goal would be to build confidence, community, and practical strategies to help them thrive in higher education.

Getting personal

Q: How do you recharge outside of the office? Any go-to hobbies or routines?

A: I recharge by spending time with my husband, Rodman, and our dog Gracie. That time together grounds me and gives me balance. I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, which is both relaxing and creative for me. On weekends, I like tackling DIY carpentry projects around the house. Volunteering is another way I recharge, because it reminds me of the bigger picture beyond my day-to-day work. And we love going on cruises. Being out on the water gives me a chance to slow down, unplug, and reset.

Q: What’s one dish you love to cook at home with your husband, Rodman?

A: Cooking together is one of our favorite routines. Two dishes that stand out are Garlic Parmesan Chicken and a homemade chicken pot pie. I couldn’t pick just one!

Q: Where’s your dream travel destination, and what would you do first when you get there?

A: Australia has always been at the top of my list. I’d want to start by visiting a not-for-profit zoo that focuses on conservation. Learning about how they care for endangered animals and protect habitats would be both meaningful and inspiring. From there, I’d love to explore the culture, food, and natural beauty of the country, but conservation would be my first stop.

"Seeing students who once felt isolated find confidence, community, and academic success reminded me why this work matters." 
– David Dearden