New Dean of Student Life hired at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Pueblo- Beginning Aug. 22, Christopher Rizzo will serve as the chief campus official for student services and student life as the new Dean of Student Life at Colorado State University – Pueblo.
 
As Dean of Student Life, Rizzo will provide leadership and direction for residential life, judicial affairs, career services, student government and multicultural student services and programs. He also will oversee special student support programs such as Upward Bound, MASS Gear Up and Veteran’s Upward Bound.
 
Rizzo said he was impressed by the attitude of the people he met while interviewing at CSU-Pueblo and their vision for the future.
 
“I’ve successfully met a great number of changes, challenges and opportunities at Penn State –Erie, so I can bring experience and background to building the vision here,” Rizzo said. “I felt a commitment to the student population and the region in terms of providing a great educational experience and student engagement. I look forward to becoming a part of the team that moves that agenda into the future.”
 
Rizzo brings 15 years of experiencing guiding the administration of student affairs services at two multi-campus universities, Penn State University and the University of Virginia. Since 1992, he has been a leader in the student affairs division at the Pennsylvania State University at Erie, The Behrend College, an innovative campus of 2,050 commuter and 1,650 resident students.
 
As director of student activities and the Reed Union Building at PSU-Erie since 1994, he has provided leadership, supervision and support for professional staff and a variety of student employees, student leaders, and interns with responsibilities in all areas of student affairs. Recently, he has been engaged in planning and executing projects using Web-based resources to transform the way student affairs and other campus personnel conduct services and outreach to students, campus, and community.
 
Before that, he was Coordinator of Residence and Greek Life at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. He believes in student engagement and learning in all aspects of the college experience and has developed innovative models for student involvement in campus life, organizations, and programs. He also has taught courses in student leadership and the first-year experience.
 
Rizzo earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Thiel College, a master’s degree in student personnel from Slippery Rock University with a doctoral degree in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh.
 
 
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.