After a national search following the restructuring of campus units to improve student services at Michigan State University, President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., has named Dr. James Hintz as the new vice president for Student Affairs.
Guskiewicz said Hintz brings the right mixture of experience and an inclusive approach essential to a position focused on supporting the university’s student population.
“Jim is a proven leader with a deep commitment to student success, inclusion and well-being,” Guskiewicz said. “His experience building strong, student-centered programs and his collaborative leadership style make him an outstanding choice to guide our Student Affairs unit and programs. I’m confident he will strengthen our campus community and help ensure every Spartan feels a strong sense of belonging and support.”
MSU kicked off the search for the vice president of Student Affairs position in December 2024, in consultation with the Academic Governance Steering Committee, which includes student leaders. The search followed the realignment of the university’s Student Life and Engagement unit into two offices: Residential and Hospitality Services and the Division of Students Affairs.
Reporting to the president, the vice president for Student Affairs manages a team that collectively leads student engagement and campus life activities closely aligned with the university’s student success goals for undergraduate and graduate students. Student Affairs holistically supports students by prioritizing a sense of belonging while connecting cocurricular activities with academic and career goals. In addition, the VPSA will oversee key facilities that support student activities and programming, including the MSU Union, Multicultural Center and Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The role, in coordination with the provost, also supports the university’s health and well-being initiatives.
Hintz currently serves as the acting associate vice chancellor for Auxiliary, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Illinois. A fixture since 2018, Hintz previously served as interim associate vice chancellor for inclusion and intercultural relations and associate vice chancellor for Student Success, Inclusion and Belonging before his current position.
Prior to the University of Illinois, Hintz worked in leadership roles at Purdue University, University of Connecticut-Storrs and Ohio University. His career has spanned positions related to off-campus living, community services, commuter student experiences, strategic planning around fraternity and sorority community processes, campus recreation, student wellness programs and student leadership development programs.
“I am honored to join Michigan State University as vice president for Student Affairs,” said Hintz. “MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence and student success deeply resonates with my values. I look forward to collaborating with students, staff and faculty to foster a vibrant, supportive campus community where every student can thrive.”
Hintz earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Indiana State University, with a dissertation that examined the impact of federal- and state-funded support programs on academic achievement and persistence of first-generation college students. He earned a master’s degree in college student personnel from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree in social and managerial science.
Guskiewicz also thanked Genyne Royal and Allyn Shaw for their dedicated service as co-leaders of Student Affairs since December 2024.
“Both Allyn and Genyne are valuable leaders on our campus, and I am grateful to them both for their dedication to our students and overall campus success,” said Guskiewicz. “With Allyn and Genyne, and now Jim’s addition to our greater team, I am confident that the university can take Student Affairs to new heights and find more opportunities to support our students.”
MSU engaged the search firm Isaacson, Miller along with a representative search committee of faculty, staff and students to assist in this placement. Hintz will start in his new role Aug. 4.