Dave O’Guinn. Photo by Indiana University. Indiana University Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dave O’Guinn has announced his plans to transition to teaching full time this fall at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Kelley School of Business effective June 30, to further pursue his passion for teaching and mentoring students.

A recipient of the IU Provost’s Medal and the IU Bicentennial Medal, O’Guinn became vice provost in 2018, following more than a decade of service in the IU Office of General Counsel as both associate general counsel and the university’s first chief litigation counsel. Throughout his 16-year career at IU, he has also led instruction on legal issues in human resources, business, litigation and higher education in the Kelley School, the O’Neill School, the School of Education and the Maurer School of Law.

IU Bloomington Provost and Executive Vice President Rahul Shrivastav expressed great appreciation for O’Guinn’s successful efforts to support and advocate for students at IU Bloomington.

“Dave has been a dynamic, highly visible champion for students in all facets,” Shrivastav said. “Among his many contributions, he has helped to expand and enhance care and support programs for all IU students, including founding the Student Care and Resource Center; advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and support for minoritized student populations; and increase engagement with IU families and alumni.”

Shrivastav said O’Guinn has also driven efforts to secure additional funding and support to address student needs, including student mental health, food insecurity and emergency support.

O’Guinn oversees a broad student affairs portfolio composed of over 600 staff across 22 departments and services, including the IU Student Health Center and Counseling and Psychological Services, the Indiana Memorial Union, Recreational Sports, and Student Conduct.

As vice provost, O’Guinn’s leadership helped to spearhead the creation of new or expanded Student Affairs departments, including the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Center for Veteran and Military Students, and the Collegiate Recovery Community. He also oversaw significant enhancements to student-facing facilities, particularly in the Indiana Memorial Union, including the creation of dedicated spaces for major student organizations, and improved dining and event spaces.

As a member of the Office of General Counsel, O’Guinn managed high-profile and complex legal issues across the university. He served as the university’s primary employment attorney and chief union negotiator, while also managing key university litigation, including leading negotiations and case strategy. He created the Legal Fellowship Program, which continues today, where he mentored several attorneys. O’Guinn also served as the primary legal advisor to IU Athletics and Student Affairs.

O’Guinn’s previous student affairs experience included roles in campus life at the University of Notre Dame, Centre College and Quinnipiac College.

O’Guinn earned a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School, a Master of Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from DePauw University.

The next steps for filling the vice provost position will be shared in the coming days.