Chmieleski is new VP for Student Life/Dean of Students

The Rev. Dr. Guy M. Chmieleski has joined the Charleston Southern University family as the new vice president for student life and dean of students.

Most recently Chmieleski was vice president of student affairs and church relations at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in Christian higher education, Chmieleski has faithfully served at five universities across a range of denominational affiliations, enrollment sizes, and athletic divisions. His career reflects a deep commitment to the spiritual formation, leadership development, and holistic growth of students.

President B. Keith Faulkner said, “We look forward to the ways Dr. Chmieleski’s leadership will enhance the student experience and strengthen our commitment to developing servant leaders who make a difference for the glory of God.”

Chmieleski said he has learned to pay attention when God begins to stir him to take a leap of faith to make a move. He said, “I have learned to do the right, next best thing.” 

He said, “God is doing great things at CSU, and I am blessed to get to be a part of it.” He is most excited about working with the professional student life staff. “I want to hear from and pour into our professional staff and make sure they have what they need to be successful. I love to work with people who are pouring into students, helping students grow and flourish,” he said. 

Chmieleski said, “For students, there is so much to the college experience in conjunction with the degree. We may be planting seeds that God will bring to fruition long after they graduate. We walk alongside, watch them grow and blossom, and it doesn’t just happen in Bible study and chapel. God can use all corners of a student’s life to grow them spiritually.”

Chmieleski holds a Doctor of Ministry in leadership and spiritual formation from George Fox Evangelical Seminary, an MBA from Friends University, a Master of Arts in ministry from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a BA in youth ministry from Bethel University.

He is the author of three books, Campus gods: Exposing the Idols That Can Derail Your Present and Destroy Your Faith, Noise. Hurry. Crowds: On Creating Space for God Amidst the Chaos of Campus and Culture, and Shaping Their Future: Mentoring Students Through Their Formative College Years. His newest book is Radical Leadership: Leading with Love, which he co-authored.

He and his wife, Heather, have five children, between the ages of 12-21.