CLINTON — Christopher D. Card will join Hamilton College on Aug. 15 as vice president and dean of students. Card has served as vice president for student life at Lawrence University since 2017 where he was responsible for all aspects of student life including residential life, dining, student wellness, and the career center, among other duties.

“Chris brings broad experience to this important role at the college and has a strong commitment to supporting an engaged, diverse and inclusive student experience,” Hamilton President David Wippman said. “His leadership and advocacy on behalf of students at other residential liberal arts colleges have been recognized with multiple honors attesting to his effectiveness and the high esteem in which he is held by students, colleagues, alumni, and peers. I look forward to working with him to support our students’ co-curricular experiences at Hamilton.”

Throughout his five years at Lawrence, Card was known for developing and nurturing collaborative partnerships across the university, according to the Hamilton College announcement. Among his accomplishments, he co-chaired a task force on emotional well-being and oversaw the implementation of its recommendations; helped secure $5 million in donor funding to endow a dean position for the career center; led a renewed mission and programs for the diversity and intercultural center; and established a student pantry.

Reporting to the president, the VP/DOS at Hamilton will serve as an active and visible student-facing leader while enhancing collaboration among offices within the division of student life and across campus. The role provides active support for the interdependence of the academic and co-curricular pieces of students’ education, and a capacity for valuing, building, and sustaining diverse and inclusive communities.

“It has been a pleasure working with Vice President Card, whose commitment to the care and education of our students was demonstrated daily, during my first year on campus, and I am grateful for his counsel and leadership, especially as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic,” Lawrence University President Laurie A. Carter said.

Card served as Dean of Students at Trinity College from 2015-17, Associate Dean of Students from 2001 to 2014, and assistant dean of students from 1998 to 2001. There he oversaw student conduct, Greek life, and pre-orientation programs. A native of Jamaica, he earned an master’s of administration degree in law and diplomacy at the Fletcher School, Tufts University, and a dual major bachelor’s of arts, cum laude and phi beta kappa, at Clark University.

“Chris’s commitment to student success and well-being is second to none,” said Lawrence Provost and Dean of the Faculty Catherine G. Kodat. “He brings such a wealth of talent to the role: careful, patient listening, a diplomatic, empathic approach to problem solving, a terrific sense of humor — and a deep appreciation for the unique strengths of the undergraduate residential liberal arts college. I will miss our partnership, but know that he will do great things at Hamilton.”

A 12-member search committee that included students, faculty, administrators, and a member of the Board of Trustees conducted the national search with assistance by executive search firm Isaacson Miller.