Riding the wave of a historic incoming first-year class, CHASS has reaffirmed the college’s commitment to student achievement by creating a new Assistant Dean position entirely devoted to student success.

“I am thrilled to be the first Assistant Dean of Student Success in CHASS,” Ryan Lipinski said.

Lipinski, who started his professional career at UCR in 2009 and most recently served as the Director of CHASS Majors Advising and Enrollment Management, officially was promoted to his new role on Aug. 28, 2023. 

According to Lipinski, his primary responsibilities as Assistant Dean for Student Success encompass three key areas: enhancing the undergraduate student experience, retaining talented students, and positively impacting student enrollment in the college. While the precise strategies are still in the works, Lipinski said will be building upon the strong foundation around recruitment, student success, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) he laid during his previous role at UCR. 

“I am a strong believer that academic advising is key to our student’s success,” Lipinski said. At UCR, he is committed to creating an environment where CHASS's academic advisors can unleash their creativity to meet student needs while ensuring their vital contributions are valued.

What’s on his to-do list? Among other things, he's eager to boost CHASS students’ participation in "high-impact practices." Lipinski recognizes CHASS students’ drive and ambition but understands they often have responsibilities outside of academics. His mission? Find innovative solutions to make these transformative experiences accessible to all students.

“As the biggest college on campus and one of the biggest in the whole system, the incorporation of the new Assistant Dean for Student Success will help us create more opportunities for our undergraduate population,” said Covadonga Lamar Prieto, Associate Dean of Academic Student Affairs in CHASS and Associate Professor in the Department of Hispanic Studies.

Looking toward the future, Lipinski's vision is clear: “equitable excellence” for CHASS students.

“I want all students to have access to the excellence that UCR and CHASS provide,” he said. Lipinski is on a mission to ensure every student has a shot at the exceptional education that UCR and CHASS offer, with a strong focus on increasing graduation rates and reducing the number of students who don’t complete their studies.

FEATURED PHOTO. Ryan Lipinski was recently appointed as the Assistant Dean of Student Success for CHASS.