David Dearden

Phone: 804-827-2417
Email: deardendm@vcu.edu

David Dearden

Assistant Dean of Student Services
Office of Student Success

  • Academic advising and student support
  • Retention and success initiatives
  • Strategic planning and collaboration
  • Leadership and Policy Implementation

EDUCATION

  • Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Vermont
  • M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University
  • B.A., Theological Studies, St. Joseph's College
  • A.A., Business and Experiential Education, Bristol Community College
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
David has led a wide range of student success initiatives focused on improving retention, academic engagement, and graduation outcomes. He has overseen academic advising teams, developed comprehensive onboarding and orientation programs, and implemented strategic advising models that center student growth and empowerment.

He has played a key role in advancing campus-wide partnerships between advising, career services, and faculty to ensure holistic support for students at every stage of their academic journey. David’s leadership has also contributed to the development of innovative curriculum and co-curricular programming, including themed courses that integrate leadership, emotional intelligence, and cultural analysis.

A strong advocate for collaboration and inclusive practice, David has successfully facilitated professional development workshops across institutions. He regularly serves as a thought partner on strategic planning efforts in student services.
In his free time, David enjoys volunteering, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with his husband, Rodman, and their dog, Gracie.