Division Leadership
Steve joined Valparaiso University in 2013 and currently serves as the Vice President for Student Life. In this role, and in his 27th year in higher education, Steve provides leadership, vision, and oversight for all areas in the Student Life Division. His expertise in student life includes service, volunteerism, civic engagement, and leadership development programs and practices. He has been involved in national associations like NACA, as a regional leader in ACUI, and as a longtime board member now serving on the advisory board of the IMPACT National Conference on Service, Action, and Advocacy. Steve has led and participated in more than 25 student service and mission trips, and a service trip is a highlight of his academic year.
Carrie Whittier joined Valparaiso University in 2012 and currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life. In this role, Carrie provides leadership and oversight for Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership and Volunteer Programs, Student Philanthropy, Career Center, Dining Services, the Bookstore, Student Involvement and New Student Programs, and the Union. Carrie is also a partner in many cross-campus initiatives such as Valpo Leadership Education Across Departments, Valparaiso University Dance Marathon, TEDxValparaisoUniversity, Valparaiso University Spring Service Trip program, and many others. Carrie also serves as the co-advisor for the Student Senate.
Ryan Blevins joined Valparaiso University in 2008 and currently serves as the Dean of Students. In this role, Ryan provides leadership and oversight for Counseling Services, the Office of Residential Life, the Health Center, Campus Judicial and Conduct processes, and serves as one of the crisis response managers for the University, representing Student Life. Ryan also serves as the co-advisor for the Student Senate.
Kim Boone joined Valparaiso University in August 2022 and currently serves as the Director of the Counseling Center.
Katie Bye joined Valparaiso University in 2016 and currently serves as the Director of Residential Life. In this role, Katie provides leadership and oversight for the Office of Residential Life, supervision of the Residential Life professional staff, and direction on policies, programs, and initiatives which support and enhance the learning objectives and strategic goals of the University, Division of Student Life, and the Office of Residential Life. Katie graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a B.S. in Tourism and a M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration.
Ryan Bye joined Valparaiso University in 2013 and currently serves as the Director, Student Involvement & New Student Programs. In this role, Ryan provides leadership and oversight for student activities, fraternity and sorority life, and new student programs.
Thad joined our team in September 2022 as the director of union and student life operations. He graduated in 1998 from Bowling Green State University with a degree in secondary education and teaching. Thad went on to receive his M.Ed. from Cleveland State University in 2001. Thad has twenty years of experience working in higher education student life areas.
Kelley Eshenaur, DNP APRN CNS FNP-C Director of the Student Health Center/Nurse Practitioner kelley.eshenaur@valpo.edu
Kelley Eshenaur joined Valparaiso University in 2013 and currently serves as the Director of the Health Center. In this role, Kelley is responsible for general oversight, direction, and supervision of all clinical and administrative functions of the Health Center. In addition to overseeing the Health Center as the director, she provides medical care as a family nurse practitioner. She provides prevention and wellness education, support, and medical counseling to facilitate informed choices, support positive behaviors, and encourage life-long healthy lifestyles.
Christopher Smith joined the Valparaiso University staff in April 2020 and currently serves as the Director of Campus Recreation and Well-being. He graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in December 2012 and a master’s in sports administration in May 2015.