In July, the University of Indianapolis welcomed its new Vice President of Student Affairs and Student Success, Carolyn Golz.
Golz has four degrees, including a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a master’s in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University, a master’s in experiential education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Golz has work experience from universities around the country, including Ferris State University, Lake Forest College, the University of Illinois Chicago and the University of New Orleans, according to the University of Indianapolis. Golz says she now finds herself here at UIndy, largely due to its student-focused mission and hardworking staff.
“I could come in and do this job in lots of places,” Golz said. “Everybody here [at UIndy] is very invested, so it makes it so much more enjoyable.”
Golz expressed that if students reach out in advance to tell her about their student experience, she is happy to meet with them and receive their feedback. She added that she will try her best to attend any events students invite her to. Her mission at UIndy is intended to give students the best experience possible.
During Golz’s interview process, UIndy President Tanuja Singh said Golz fulfilled the student-focused philosophy she was looking for. After the interim Vice President of Student Affairs Rob Williford resigned from UIndy, Singh said she wanted to find someone who was focused on creating a well-rounded experience for students, and that is what she found in Golz.
Singh said she was drawn to Golz’s holistic approach regarding the student experience, as well as her past success in similar departments. Singh believes Golz can identify specific student needs and connect with them.
Through her plans for the university, Golz has already shown an understanding of students’ needs, according to Singh. One thing she is hoping to accomplish this year is cultivating more student engagement by creating spaces on campus where every student feels like they belong.
Golz hopes to increase the university’s retention rate to 85% by the fall of 2027. To achieve this goal, Golz is looking into why students leave, whether it be financial, academic or social aspects, and then solving these problems. Golz says that she believes students leave for various reasons, and therefore, increasing the retention rate may take some trial and error.
Golz has not only worked at schools with numbers similar to UIndy, but she also has experience at a private school, according to the University of Indianapolis. Golz explained she has worked in multiple areas, including Resident Life, Student Activities, Orientation and Student Accountability. She believes that experience in these more specific branches will allow her to connect with these different departments and handle situations with experience to look back on.
“She’s reaching out to everyone. She’s reached out to academic units and staff, and has made herself available and visible. You see her everywhere on campus,” Singh said. “I am convinced that she’s going to be very successful, because she has made this place her home, and it’s visible, not just in what she says, but also in what she does every day.”
