Buena Vista University Announces New Vice President for Student Success

August 28, 2023

Buena Vista University President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph. D., has announced that Jamii Claiborne, Ed.D. will transition into the role of Vice President for Student Success, effective September 15.

Claiborne, who has most recently served as Associate Dean for Academic Success, is a BVU alum, having earned a bachelor’s degree in 1996 in English and mass communications. She then went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Old Dominion University and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University.

“I am thrilled that Dr. Jamii Claiborne has agreed to step into this role. Jamii’s two decades of commitment to BVU has positively impacted hundreds of students and faculty colleagues, in many positive ways,” said Lenzmeier. “We are a better institution because of her work on assessment, faculty development, accreditation, and most recently, her oversight of many of our retention efforts in collaboration with Dr. Heather Black.”

Claiborne succeeds Heather Black, Ed.D., who has served as Vice President for Student Success since 2021.

“It is rare to know your successor and I can confidently share Jamii is a natural fit for this role,” said Black. “Her student-centered approach and expertise in assessment and retention along with her dedication to BVU will foster a collaborative environment for Student Success and ensure all students are supported.” 

During her time at BVU, Black worked diligently to build a cohesive student success team and emphasized a structure of support for students.

“I am very pleased with the work that Dr. Heather Black completed during her time at BVU,” said Lenzmeier. “Heather helped improve outcomes for our students and for BVU. The good work she started will continue to bear fruit in the coming years, and I wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Professionally, Claiborne began her career as an Adjunct Instructor at Marymount University, later serving similar roles for American University, Johnson County Community College, and Rockhurst University before returning to BVU in 2001 as a Professor of Digital Media, as well as a Faculty Advisor to The Tack (2001-2019), the university’s award-winning student newspaper. Over the years, she continued to serve the university and its students in a variety of roles including Director of Assessment (2016-2019), Interim Dean of the School of Communication and Arts (2018-2019), Director of Assessment, Faculty Development, and Advising (2019-2021), and the Director of Assessment and Retention (2021-2022).

“One of the things I love most about BVU’s mission and President Lenzmeier’s leadership is that students and their success are always at the center of our work. I am excited to carry forward that commitment, recognizing that the whole student experience matters to success,” said Claiborne. “I’m energized to be working collaboratively with colleagues from across the university on initiatives that ensure the greatest success for our students.”

Claiborne’s work and experiences at BVU have allowed her to observe the student experience from many angles, providing a holistic viewpoint for her new role.

“Dr. Claiborne’s commitment to students, understanding of BVU culture and history, strong intellect, and knowledge of ongoing student success efforts have her poised to build an even greater community, connections, and outcomes for our students and BVU,” added Lenzmeier.

In addition to the appointment of Dr. Claiborne, John Salazar has been promoted to Associate Dean of Student Success and Residence Life and Mandi Mollring has been promoted to Assistant Dean of Student Success and Student Engagement.