There is a fresh, friendly face stepping into a milestone role at Michigan State University. Dr. Jonathan Yorkowitz has officially joined the Spartan family as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
A collaborative leader with over two decades of experience, Dr. Yorkowitz comes to East Lansing with a background spanning student advocacy, crisis response, behavioral threat management, and student conduct. Most recently serving in executive leadership at the University of Florida with previous senior roles at the University of Indianapolis and Hardin-Simmons University, he has built a career around creating integrated systems of care, accountability, and belonging.
We sat down with Dr. Yorkowitz to talk about his journey as a first-gen student, his Midwest roots, and his vision for Spartan success.
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Q: Welcome to Michigan State! In your own words, how did this journey bring you to East Lansing?
Yorkowitz: "I strongly believe that when good opportunities arise, you should lean in to discover where they may take you. As a Land Grant institution, Michigan State has an exceptional mission that means the results of my efforts will have an exponentially greater impact for the future of our state, nation, and world. I’m truly honored to serve in this role and excited for what we’ll accomplish together as Spartans."
Q: You have a deep background in student advocacy, crisis response, and building systems of care. How does your personal path shape that work?
Yorkowitz: "I entered college as a First-Generation student from a limited-income, rural background and was helped immensely by student affairs professionals, faculty, and staff. I still carry that first-gen identity with me. Reflecting on my own path helps me think broadly about how we design programs that are genuinely inclusive. Students from all backgrounds need support navigating their journey. In Student Affairs, we’re educators, guides, connectors, and champions—helping students make meaning while they author their lives."
Q: Your academic background is pretty unique—you hold degrees in Broadcasting, Human Services, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration. How do those connect?
Yorkowitz: "My degree in Broadcasting taught me communication and active listening, while Human Services focused on supporting people and organizations. My doctoral research at Indiana State examined faculty perceptions of tenure and promotion, which helped me understand higher education from a new vantage point. Higher ed leadership is where all three meet: clear communication, human support, and strategic oversight."
Q: You’ve led multidisciplinary teams and complex operations across the country. What’s your vision for working with MSU staff and unit directors?
Yorkowitz: "Leadership is an act of stewardship—caring for people well, strengthening institutional capacity, and leaving things better than we found them. I’m a people-centered leader. Using an appreciative inquiry model, I want to listen to and learn from our team to foster an organizational culture where an ambitious vision is enthusiastically embraced across every department."
Q: You’ve worked at universities across the country, but coming to Michigan has a special meaning for you, right? What’s on your Michigan bucket list?
Yorkowitz: "It really feels like a homecoming. I grew up in the Midwest, and my spouse is actually from Michigan. As an outdoor enthusiast, there’s so much to love here—from the white sand beaches of Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks in the U.P. On campus, I'm already eyeing visits to the MSU Dairy Store, the Spartan Statue, Beal Botanical Gardens, Abrams Planetarium, and Beaumont Tower!"
Q: When you’re not in the office championing students, where are we most likely to spot you around campus?
Yorkowitz: "You’ll see me cheering on our Spartan student-athletes across all 20+ sports—from game days at Spartan Stadium, Munn Arena for ice hockey, and the Izzone for basketball. But I’m just as passionate about the performing arts and can’t wait for the season at the Wharton Center. Beyond that, I love sitting down for a good conversation over food or coffee, so I’m actively taking local coffee and food recommendations. I love being part of something bigger. Go Green!"
Getting Connected Whether you have ideas to share, need support navigating campus life, or just have a top-tier local coffee spot to recommend, Dr. Yorkowitz and the Student Affairs team are here to help you thrive. Stop by the Student Services Building, reach out with questions, and help give our new Dean of Students a warm Spartan welcome!