Dan Watts named executive director of residential life and housing services

Watts has shown his deep commitment to the student experience during his decades-long career in residential life.

Dan Watts. Photo provided

Dan Watts has been appointed executive director of residential life & housing services. He has served as interim executive director since April 2022. As executive director, Watts will continue to lead the unit's efforts to create and maintain secure and welcoming living environments that foster holistic student development and promote inclusive communities.

Watts's career at the University of Rochester spans 30 years in residential life, with a primary focus on the residential experiences of undergraduate students on the River Campus. Watts also served as assistant dean of first-year students, where he worked to connect the residential experience of first-year students with academic and leadership opportunities throughout the College.

"I am so pleased that Dan will step into this role on a permanent basis," says John Blackshear, vice president for university student life. "His extensive service to this institution and his deep commitment to the student experience at Rochester will serve him well as we reimagine residential life from a university-wide perspective."

Watts's decades-long service to the University has included representing staff from the former Arts, Sciences & Engineering unit on the Genesee Staff Council; acting as a hearing board officer and advisor with the Center for Student Conflict Management; and serving on many advisory boards and committees, including the Dining Services Advisory Committee, Transportation Committee, Food Pantry Steering Committee, LGBTQAI+ Standing Committee, Fraternity and Sorority Management Committee, University Sustainability Committee, University Accessibility Committee, College Diversity Roundtable, and the Student Life Awards Committee. Watts is also a founding advisor of the original University's SafeZone program.

"I look forward to continuing this important work," says Watts. "I am excited for all of us to create new ways forward while preserving the best of what makes campus living at Rochester unique and special for all students."

According to Watts, residential life is far more than housing. "I believe that dorms may be where students sleep," he says, "but residence halls are where students live." He points out that residential life extends opportunities for student leadership, interpersonal relationships, and self-exploration through meaningful programming, and collaboration with campus partners. Additionally, Residential Life and Housing Services supports an off-campus living program by offering assistance, education, and support to members of the University of Rochester community who seek an off-campus living experience.

This fall, Residential Life and Housing will launch the biennial Undergraduate Resident Assessment Survey, sponsored by the Association of College and University Housing Officers. The survey will help identify how undergraduate students experience living on campus. Watts says his other priorities include working closely with University partners to identify plans and priorities for capital improvements, renovation projects, and new construction that is responsive to current student needs.

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