Dr. Rachel Aho to lead strategic vision as Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff for Student Affairs
Student Affairs is thrilled to announce that Dr. Rachel Aho has been appointed as the new Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA).
A trusted leader and nationally recognized voice in higher education, Dr. Aho brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to student success. In her new role, she will lead the implementation of the Adapting to Student Needs strategic plan, oversee the VPSA marketing and communications team, and serve as a key liaison to IT, Assessment, and Human Resources. She will also coordinate major cross-functional initiatives and support Vice President Lori McDonald in aligning the work of more than 20 departments with the division’s broader goals.
"Rachel brings such a thoughtful approach to leadership, along with a deep understanding of operations and a genuine commitment to students," said Lori McDonald, vice president for Student Affairs. "She has a real gift for turning big ideas into action — something we've seen time and time again through her work in Housing. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Student Affairs leadership team and can't wait to see the incredible impact she’ll make in her new role."
Before stepping into this role, Dr. Aho served as senior director for Housing, where she led support efforts for over 5,500 residential students and implemented division-wide priorities related to wellness and belonging. She also teaches in the University Honors College, guest lectures in graduate programs across the country, and recently completed her term as the 85th President of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA)—further solidifying her influence in shaping the future of student affairs.
"Supporting students through the work of student affairs has been one of the greatest joys of my career," said Dr. Aho. "I’m deeply passionate about helping students find their path and thrive, and I’m excited to continue that work in this new role. I look forward to building new partnerships, strengthening our teams, and making sure everything we do continues to center on what students need to succeed."
A proud alumna of the University of Utah’s Educational Leadership and Policy PhD program, Dr. Aho has spent more than 11 years advancing the student experience on this campus. With her strategic insight, collaborative approach, and deep institutional knowledge, she is poised to help lead the division.