Judi Biggs Garbuio, Ph.D., has been named vice president for student affairs at The Catholic University of America. In a letter sent to the University community Wednesday, President John Garvey said Biggs Garbuio was the top pick for the job after an extensive search. She will begin her new duties in January 2020.
Biggs Garbuio, who has 30 years of experience in higher education, currently serves as the associate provost for student development at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
“Judi stood out among several excellent candidates for her stellar academic credentials as well as her extensive experience in key leadership positions at a number of top-rated universities,” Garvey said.
The position of vice president for student affairs has been vacant since Mike Allen left in June to lead Barry University in Miami, Florida.
Biggs Garbuio will oversee all aspects of student affairs and assist the Division of University Advancement to promote the Student Success priorities of Light the Way: The Campaign for Catholic University.
“I am thrilled to join President Garvey and the senior administrators to lead student affairs and build upon the strong Catholic student experience,” Biggs Garbuio said. “What a great way to start 2020!”
Biggs Garbuio served a total of 23 years at the University of Southern California. During the last 12 she was the associate dean of students. She has also worked at Arizona State University in Tempe, and Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Born in Kingman, Kansas, Biggs Garbuio has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State University in Kansas. She has a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Policy Planning and Administration from the University of Southern California.
“Judi brings an impressive level of preparation to the position of Vice President for Student Affairs,” Garvey said. “A lifelong Catholic, Judi understands and embraces this University’s distinctive mission. We will benefit from her knowledge and expertise.”