Wearing a hot pink jacket and sipping Starbucks in Library West, Jen Day Shaw blends in with those she oversees as UF’s new dean of students.
As part of her new job, she will oversee new student programs and help solve conflicts between students.
“I’m very excited,” she said. “In my field, this is the pinnacle.”
Day Shaw arrived in Gainesville Saturday to prepare for her first day Monday.
While her husband and two children remain in North Carolina until the end of the school year, Day Shaw is immersed in the student experience.
She lives in a residence hall and walks to work in the morning.
“It’s actually very quiet, very relaxed,” she said.
Day Shaw said one of her main goals will be to address the needs of students in distress. Whether it’s dealing with students suffering from abuse or comforting hospitalized students, Day Shaw wants to make sure everyone knows they can count on their dean.
