Dr. Kenyon Bonner plays a pivotal role in helping the University of Pittsburgh achieve one of its fundamental missions—educating the whole student. In addition to leading the Division of Student Affairs and over 200 professional staff members, Dr. Bonner serves as the liaison to Student Affairs for Pitt’s regional campuses and sits on the Chancellor’s senior leadership team.
Dr. Bonner joined Pitt in 2004 as Assistant Director of Residence Life and subsequently served 11 years as Director of Student Life, seven of which were also as an Associate Dean of Students. In January 2015, he was appointed Interim Vice Provost and Dean of Students, earning permanent appointment in March 2016 after a competitive national search.
Dr. Bonner earned his EdD in Higher Education Management at the University of Pennsylvania, his MEd in Rehabilitation Counseling at Kent State University, and his BA in Psychology and Philosophy at Washington and Jefferson College. His research interests include Black male student success, retention and graduation, college student mental health, and diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion. He is the recipient of Washington and Jefferson College’s Waltersdorf Award for Innovation Leadership (2017) and the University of Pittsburgh’s Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University (2013).
In his free time, Kenyon likes to spend time with his family, attend his children’s basketball and football games, watch Marvel movies, play videogames, and run. He also serves as the co-chair of the United Way Impact Cabinet, and he sits on the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross and Family House Pittsburgh.
