President Michael Fitts sent an email on Thursday, Sept. 7 announcing that J. Davidson “Dusty” Porter will step down as vice president of Student Affairs, effective June 30, 2024.

For nine years, Porter guided the Student Affairs division, which oversees Student Health and Wellness, Housing and Residence Life, Student Resources and Support Services, Campus Life and Diversity and Intercultural Life and Judicial Affairs. Porter worked with the school to expand and improve the school’s residential life, campus health and mental health services. 

Porter also oversaw the development of the new health and wellness portfolio, which included Campus Health, Counseling and Psychological Services and The Well Center for Health Promotion and Campus Recreation. He facilitated the creation of The Line, a 24/7 phone service for mental health and telehealth support, in conjunction with the Office of Student Affairs. He served as a leader during “the effort to create a Tulane Recovery Community and the Recovery Community House for students battling addictions,” according to Fitts.

As the school conducts a nationwide search for a new vice president of Student Affairs, Porter will continue to lead throughout the rest of the academic school year.