Denise Hopkins, the new vice provost for student life, planned on studying maritime law upon graduating from California State University. But life has a way of moving you in other directions, and Hopkins found herself at her alma mater, acting as a business manager for the student government so the students could focus on the college experience. It was a natural transition from her own leadership roles on campus. Promotions quickly followed, causing her plotted course of law school to change; 22 years of experience later, she has taken over Charles Carlson’s previous role on campus, beginning her time here at Iona in June 2016.

 “I simply ended up in [student life] and loved it and haven’t left,” she said.

Prior to coming to Iona, Hopkins worked for over a decade at St. Johns University. She spent a little over 5 years as the Staten Island campus’ dean of student life, and then became the executive director of career services.

Hopkins feels as though Iona College was a natural next step for her, citing Iona’s mission statement as a major reason for this fit.

“I find our noble and compelling mission to be very, very closely aligned with my personal and professional values,” Hopkins said. The particular sections of the mission statement that resonate with her are its “deep commitment to social justice, to service, to others, to community and a sense of greater purpose,” she said.

Her own commitment to social justice is evident from her undergraduate experiences as well as the philosophies she brings to her position today.

While in college, Hopkins was a co-editor of the student-run newspaper and president of the English Literature Club and also participated in intermural sports. However, her proudest achievement in her undergraduate years took place outside of all of these activities.

Hopkins takes pride that during her time at California State University she was able to help the school establish a child care program for both traditional and nontraditional students with children. This program allowed these students to attend classes while balancing their childcare responsibilities. Hopkins helped faculty members write a federal grant that created a subsidy program for child care both on and off campus. The program ran for almost a decade.

Hopkins is a first generation college graduate. Since she has personally experienced what she calls “the transforming effects of a college education,” her commitment to accessibility is make the world a better place through her passion about success and access. The childcare program she established is evidence to this fact.

Now as a higher education employee herself, Hopkins echoes this commitment in the philosophies she brings to the job. “I consider my work to be a direct and indirect form of social justice,” she said.

As a part of her pursuit to make education accessible at Iona College, Hopkins believes in acknowledging the ability of the individual.

“Another area of particular focus and passion for me is in honoring people where they’re at, in terms of whatever gifts and abilities they have,” she said.

Hopkins brings these socially-minded philosophies with her to her work while keeping other social justice themes in mind. She believes that social causes that are current focuses in today’s world, such as preventing sexual assault and the Black Lives Matter movement, are also relevant here on Iona’s campus.

“[The causes] speak to our obligation to ensure that our campus society by the environment is such that each and every human being can learn and grow and flourish,” Hopkins said. “When there’s violence in the community, whether that’s via sexual assault or continued systemic oppression of particular marginalized groups, that undermines the value, the dignity of human and I believe negatively affects campus and society at large.”

When it comes to these situations, Hopkins highlights the importance of both word and deed.

“You have to speak truth to power,” she said. She also noted that these causes deserve not only our words but our actions.

As for her own actions, Hopkins has two goals for her first year at Iona.

The first is to attempt to develop meaningful relationships with students and their organizations on campus. She also hopes to grow relationships with Iona faculty and staff so she can use her role to compliment what is happening inside classrooms and around campus.

“The relationship foundation is key, I think, to moving us forward in the future,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins hopes to build these relationships to foster unity on campus in order to make sure Iona is for and supports every student.

“Denise has been an amazing edition to our Iona community and has already impacted students while also advocating for their best interest,” junior Erin Kutch, SGA’s vice president for internal affairs said.

Her second goal is to implement a strategic planning process through the fall semester and create a new action plan in January. Everything included under one of these strategic plans will fall under guiding principles of student care, student development and student success. Hopkins plans for an emphasis on student-centered, mission-driven action.

Her focus on the students has not gone unnoticed by other staff members.

“Denise is genuinely student-centered and brings tremendous positivity, enthusiasm, and innovation,” Liz Olivieri, assistant vice provost, said.

Part of this fall’s strategic plan calls for examining of the structural organization of the Office of Student Development. College offices that are under the Office of Student Development umbrella include Residential Life, Off-Campus Housing, the Counseling Center, Health Services, Career Development, Campus Safety & Security, Student Development and Mission & Ministry. The examination will ensure that all offices can best meet their budgeting and employee goals while increasing efficiency.

Her progress on these two goals already leaving a mark on the Iona community.

“I’ve already been genuinely inspired by Denise’s leadership, and quickly discerned that she doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk,” Brielle Stark-Adler, director of Iona’s Counseling Center, said.

Hopkins’ unofficial goal for the year is “to find more Iona-colored clothing to wear,” she said.

She also took the job because the personal fit she feels with Iona extends beyond her connection to its mission. She lives in Ardsley with her husband and two youngest children, and in part took the job because Iona College is located in the same county. The location of the college helps her achieve a better work-life integration, which is something she strives for.

“I believe that throughout my life and my career that God has provided me with the right opportunities at the right time,” Hopkins said. She views her position here as more than just a job – it’s “a calling,” in her words.

She felt called to Iona’s mission and sense of community.

 “From my perspective, being here is perfect for me, and I hope that the Iona community will feel I’m a good fit for them,” Hopkins said. “I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be a Gael.”