Announcement of New Leadership at the Office of the Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) is excited to announce the appointment of two new leaders dedicated to amplifying student support and accountability at the University of Utah.
Jake Lemon has joined ODOS as the director for Student Support. In this role, Lemon will provide holistic support for student well-being, success,
and development. Lemon’s extensive experience across various student affairs functional
areas—including housing and residential education, assessment and planning, conduct,
and student leadership advising—has equipped him with a solid knowledge base to effectively
support students and positively contribute to the ODOS team.
“My values strongly align with helping and supporting students, motivating me to make a meaningful impact every day within ODOS and the broader university community,” said Lemon.
“The Office of the Dean of Students couldn’t be more excited to welcome Dr. Lemon to our team,” said Jason Ramirez, Dean of Students. “His deep understanding of student success and support combined with the strong relationships he has built within Student Affairs and the University of Utah has positioned him perfectly to lead our student support and basic needs team.”
Lemon grew up in northwest Ohio but lived in Michigan for 10 years prior to arriving in Salt Lake City. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and visiting national parks with his partner, Lida, fly fishing, cooking, and listening to NPR podcasts.
April Pavelka has stepped into the role of director for Student Accountability. In her new position, Pavelka will serve as the liaison between ODOS and Commuter Services, collaborating closely with Housing and Residential Education to create a more cohesive and supportive student experience.
With a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Georgia and currently pursuing her PhD in educational leadership and policy at the University of Utah, Pavelka
brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in student conduct at the University of Georgia and as the fitness manager for campus recreational services at the University of Utah. Having worked as the associate director for Student Accountability for the past two years, Pavelka is well-prepared to lead in this new capacity.
“April Pavelka brings so much experience and knowledge about how things work within the Office of the Dean of Students and across the university,” said Melanie Lee, associate dean of students. “But beyond that, her dedication and genuine care for our students really set her apart. She’s exactly the kind of person we need in this role.”
In her spare time, April enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing, snuggling her cat Winnie, and watching the University of Georgia Bulldogs play football.
ODOS is thrilled to welcome Lemon and Pavelka and looks forward to their contributions in fostering a supportive environment for all students at the University of Utah.