Soncia Reagins-Lilly, former vice president for student affairs and dean of students, announced her retirement from the University on Jan. 23, marking the end of her 17-year tenure at UT.

Tom Dison, former associate vice president in the Division of Student Affairs, replaced Reagins-Lilly as interim vice president for student affairs, according to a statement released by UT President Jay Hartzell. Administrators are searching for a full-time replacement. 

Reagins-Lilly began her time at UT as senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students in 2006. Reagins-Lilly also served as a professor of practice in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. Over the course of her career at UT, she led the creation of the UT Outpost food pantry and career closet, the Alienware eSports Lounge and Arena, and the Longhorn Leadership Lab. In his statement, Hartzell also recognized her role in launching an on-campus housing scholarship program and establishing the Successful Student Organizations Pilot Program.

The Office of the Dean of Students supervises elections for organizations like Student Government and Texas Student Media, supports scholarships like the Glenn Maloney Memorial Scholarship and offers opportunities for students to engage with the UT community through Living the Longhorn Life. Additionally, the office oversees sorority and fraternity life, student emergency services and veteran and military-affiliated services. 

“Please join me in thanking Soncia for her 17 years of dedicated service and for her genuine compassion and care for our students,” wrote Hartzell. “Her enthusiasm and energy will be missed across our campus, and our Longhorn Nation is better because of her contributions.”