University of Findlay’s Brandi Laurita Named Next VP of Student Affairs

The University of Findlay is pleased to announce that Brandi Laurita will serve as the next Vice President of Student Affairs, beginning Jan. 1, 2022, following the retirement of Dave Emsweller on Dec. 31, 2021.

Laurita has served as the University’s Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator since June 2015.  During her tenure in this role, she has led the Department of Athletics to success in recruiting and retaining students and to a strong financial position.

“Her work with colleagues within athletics and throughout campus has been exemplary,” stated Dr. Katherine Fell, president of the University of Findlay. “Brandi focuses on student success in all her decisions and in the relationships she has built with students, faculty, and staff. We are confident she will bring this same focus as she leads our Student Affairs Division.”

In her new role, Laurita will oversee all aspects of the student experience at the University, including student success, student life, student engagement, and campus safety.

“I am humbled and honored to serve the University in an expanded role as the Vice President of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of a dynamic staff with which I am excited to work more closely as we continue positively impacting the lives of the students at the University of Findlay,” stated Laurita. “Our students are our future, and I believe that a positive collegiate experience can affect a person’s achievements and attitudes throughout their life. By focusing on the strengths of both the students and the staff, we will continually enhance and develop an environment that fosters success and growth.”

Prior to her current role at UF, Laurita served as UF’s Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator from 2008 to 2015. In addition, Laurita has served as Student Athlete Advisory Committee Advisor and UF’s Title IX Coordinator. She has been responsible for oversight of athletic scholarships, has chaired committees to select coaches for teams representing four sports, and has been event manager for multiple teams.

Elsewhere, she has been appointed to a number of NCAA and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) committees, most notably the GLIAC Executive Committee and Management Council; has provided oversight for numerous national, regional and conference tournaments; and since 2011 has participated in the NCAA/ADA Division II Director of Athletics Mentoring Program.

Laurita holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Andrews Presbyterian University and a Master of Education from Converse College.