Marian University’s vice president for student affairs elected to lead national organization serving Catholic colleges and universities

The Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU) has named Dr. Joshua Clary as its new Board Chair, effective June 2026. Dr. Clary, who currently serves as Vice President of Student Life & Diversity and Dean of Students at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in Catholic higher education to the national role.

Founded in 1999 by a group of student affairs practitioners seeking to foster community and communication among professionals in Catholic higher education, ASACCU promotes the exploration and sharing of knowledge to further holistic student development founded on Catholic mission, values, and identity. The association sponsors an Annual Summer Conference, a Best Practices Mission Integration Awards program, and an Annual Roundtable Discussion for Senior Student Affairs Officers, while providing a national network of professionals dedicated to living out the mission of Catholic higher education.

Dr. Clary has been an active ASACCU member since 2011 and has served on the Board of Directors since September 2023. During his time on the board, he played a key role on the Steering Committee for the Mission Integration Awards, developed evaluation rubrics, led award selection committees, and presented national awards at the Annual Conference. He also contributed to a comprehensive revision of the association’s Constitution and Bylaws.

“I am deeply honored to serve as Board Chair of ASACCU at such a pivotal moment for Catholic higher education,” Dr. Clary, said. “Our work is not simply administrative; it is a ministry. Every student affairs professional at a Catholic institution has the privilege and responsibility of walking alongside students in their formation, and ASACCU exists to make sure we are doing that work with excellence, intentionality, and fidelity to our missions.”

Dr. Clary added, “I look forward to working with our outstanding board and membership to strengthen our national community, amplify best practices, and ensure that the Catholic identity of our institutions is lived out vibrantly in every dimension of student life.”

Prior to Marian University, Dr. Clary served as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Dr. Clary holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, as well as a Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education, also from Indiana State. He completed graduate studies in Theology at Saint Meinrad School of Theology and earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Brescia University.

Dr. Joshua Clary

Date posted: June 25, 2026