Dean of Students Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs

Meet the Staff

Executive Team

Associate VP for Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs Introduction
	Stephen Hirst Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment & Student Affairs Dr. Hirst is a Harlingen, TX native and previously served as Associate Vice President of Campus Life and Student Success at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He began his career in higher education at Texas Tech University as an Activities Advisor for the Center for Campus Life and has served in various student life and student affairs leadership roles over the past 21 years. Dr. Hirst earned his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama in 2020.

Dean of Students Introduction
	Rebecca K. Gadson Dean of Students Ms. Gadson is dedicated to college student access, support, success, graduation, and the development of transformational leaders. She is a collaborative, creative, and team-oriented Student Affairs practitioner with over twenty years of experience working as a student affairs practitioner in which she has advised student government, the campus programming board, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and served as a Residence Life Director. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Liberal Arts for Human Services from the Morris campus of the University of Minnesota and a Master of Arts in Counseling in Higher Education from Western Michigan University.

Associate Dean for Student Involvement Introduction
	Delma Olivarez Associate Dean for Student Involvement Ms. Olivarez supports and encourages opportunities for students to get involved on campus and in the community. She plays a supportive role to the Center for Student Involvement, Spirit Program, and Student Media and serves as an advisor to the Student Government Association. She has worked in higher education since 2005. Her professional experience includes campus programming, civic engagement, community service, distinguished speakers, event services, facilities management, fraternities and sororities, intercultural programs, leadership programs, mentoring for first-year students, parent and family involvement, spirit programs, student government, and student organizations.

Associate Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities Introduction
	Douglas Stoves, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities Dr. Douglas Stoves is the Senior Associate Dean for Students at UTRGV. Dr. Stoves has served the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in this capacity since 2015, and prior to that has served the Rio Grande Valley community for over 15 years through his roles at the University of Texas Brownsville such as the Director of Residential Life and as the Dean of Students. Dr. Stoves currently oversees units such as the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, The University Chess Team, The Student Food Pantry, serves as a Foster Liaison, and is a known and respected resource on campus. He prides himself in advocating for students and being a known resource on campus that integrates academic support and student engagement through effective communication, student advocacy, and a team-focused approach. Dr. Stoves’ research focuses on Compassion Fatigue in Student Affairs, and he uses that to champion the success of our students today. He also is a lover of our four-legged furry friends and has over 9 dogs!

Associate Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities Introduction
	Jodie Dominguez Program Manager for Student Support & Wellbeing Jodie Dominguez is the Program Manager for Student Support & Wellbeing in the Dean of Students Office. In her role she oversees the Student Food Pantry, Wellness programing and works with Student of Concern cases. Jodie has over 15 years of experience in working in higher education. Jodie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Studies and a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from our legacy institution, The University of Texas- Pan American. Jodie is dedicated to helping students be successful both in and out of the classroom.