About the Vice Provost

Michele Rasmussen became Stanford University’s Vice Provost for Student Affairs on September 10, 2024. As vice provost, she oversees the Student Affairs division that manages residential life and student experiences outside the classroom. Its units include the Centers for Equity, Community, and Leadership, Dean of Students, Inclusion, Community & Integrative Learning, Learning Technologies & Space, Student & Academic Services, and Vaden Health Services. She is also a member of the University Cabinet.

More About Michele Rasmussen

Rasmussen holds a bachelor’s degree in history and art history from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a PhD in biological anthropology and anatomy from Duke University.

She had previously served since 2013 as the dean of students at the University of Chicago, where she led many of the university’s departments, services, and programs that focus on campus life and support for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. She also played a pivotal role in supporting UChicago’s “Chicago Principles,” a set of values and procedures outlining the university’s commitment to freedom of expression. Before her role at the University of Chicago, she served as dean of the Undergraduate College at Bryn Mawr College and as an academic dean for Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, where she directed the Academic Advising Center. 

Rasmussen is committed to ensuring that the work of Student Affairs is focused on  supporting Stanford students as they pursue their academic programs and develop their professional and personal interests. To that end, Student Affairs fosters close and collaborative partnerships with other key units and offices across the university to ensure that all students benefit from the exceptional academic and co-curricular opportunities Stanford offers.  

As a campus resident, Rasmussen enjoys meeting students in a wide variety of settings, including when she is out and about walking her dogs, Banksy and Biko.