The College of Wooster has selected Nathaniel Graves as dean of students to begin Jan. 4, 2027. Graves’ experience in higher education spans nearly 10 years at private, public, and liberal arts institutions, with a focus on student support, campus engagement, and programs that help students navigate the transition to college and thrive throughout their undergraduate experience.
Reporting to Provost Ashley Kistler and a participant in the president’s cabinet, in his new role, Graves will lead Student Affairs to blend strategy and empathy, data and human connection, structure, and creativity to support a vibrant, inclusive campus culture where students thrive. The dean of students acts as a transformational leader, trusted advocate, and collaborative partner at the heart of the student experience championing belonging, well-being, and success for every learner. He will lead initiatives that shape student life, engagement, and success from orientation through graduation.
“Nathan stood out in a large pool of exceptional applicants,” Kistler said. “We are thrilled he will be joining our community and can’t wait for him to work with our students, staff, and faculty on shaping the student experience at Wooster.”
Throughout his career, Graves has worked across academic affairs, student life, and enrollment to strengthen student support, improve the transition to college, and foster campus engagement. His experience includes student advocacy and crisis response, strategic planning, staff development, budget management, and programs that engage students and families throughout the college experience.
Graves currently serves as associate dean of students and dean of first-year experience at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he leads initiatives to strengthen student engagement, belonging, and retention. He works across academic affairs, student affairs, and enrollment to coordinate support for incoming students, develop first-year programming, and connect students with resources throughout their college experience.
Previously, Graves served as first-year dean and associate dean of student support at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where he worked closely with students, families, faculty, and staff to address academic, personal, and wellness concerns. He also directed orientation and first-year experience programming, leading a comprehensive redesign of the institution's approach to welcoming and supporting new students. Graves collaborated with academic and student life leaders to develop a coordinated first-year experience that connected students with campus resources, faculty mentors, and opportunities for engagement. The initiative expanded pre-orientation programming, introduced new ways for students and families to access information before arriving on campus, and strengthened connections between academic advising and students' transition to college.
“Wooster’s investment in undergraduate mentorship, time-honored traditions, and its highly engaged, motivated student body make this an exciting time to join the College,” Graves said. “I am honored to serve the campus community and look forward to continuing Wooster’s commitment to the student experience.”
Earlier in his career, Graves held several positions in new student programs at the University of West Georgia, where he oversaw orientation, student transition, and family engagement initiatives serving thousands of incoming students and their families. His work in student and family engagement earned him the 2025 Friends of Family Award from the Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals, a national organization dedicated to advancing student success through family engagement. Graves earned a master's degree in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor's degree in special education and elementary education from the University of Evansville.
Graves succeeds Joe Kirk, interim dean of students. Kirk has served the College for 30 years in a variety of leadership roles from student affairs to campus safety. Throughout his tenure, Kirk has contributed to numerous campus initiatives, including new student orientation, student engagement programs, and strengthening campus safety. His longstanding commitment to collaboration and building relationships with students, faculty, and staff has helped foster a supportive campus community.