Stephens named Dean of Student Affairs

“As the Interim Dean of Student Affairs and before that as the Director of Housing, Austen continually demonstrated his leadership. He works with students well and does all he can to advance priorities for them. He is also a capable leader with a wealth of experience from working across campus with various departments. He is a great fit for our institution at this time,” Patterson said.

Stephens, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s at Chadron State College, has worked at CSC since 2014. He began his career in Housing and Residence Life as the Assistant Director in Work Hall and Wing. In 2015, he was named the Director of Housing and Residence Life and served in that capacity until he was named Interim Dean of Student Affairs in Feb. 2023.

“Chadron State College is a great place to work and in Student Affairs we get to collaborate across campus in a variety of ways,” Stephens said. “We will do all we can in Student Affairs to ensure students have access to the services they need in order to be successful.”

A search for Stephens’ previous role, Director of Housing, will open soon.