New Dean of Students Brings Own Student Experience to Campus

Dean Dr. Dwayne “Dalexh” Hunt, 47, remembers the first time he ever walked onto a college campus at just 18 years old. He felt invisible, unnoticed, and unimportant, so he left. Hunt would later return, find his voice, become an active member of his college community, and earn his Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

But Hunt brought that first-day feeling with him when he embarked on a career in student affairs, which led him to his new job as the Dean of Students at CT State Community College Manchester on July 17. He intends to put the needs of the student body first, Hunt said.

He is now located in the Student Affairs office suite in the Student Services Building, SSC L285.

Hunt said he would describe himself as an “admirer of students.” He finds it important that you admire the people you approach, especially as someone in his position.

“I admire people who are pursuing their dreams,” he said, adding that it’s part of the reason he loves his job.

A native of South Florida, Hunt has been working in higher education since 2003 and has held various positions in Student Activities and Higher Education before coming to Manchester. Hunt earned his bachelor’s in history from Florida Atlantic University, his master’s in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from the University of Mississippi and his doctorate in Education from Northeastern University.

Now that he is in Connecticut, Hunt said he plans to be someone who walks around campus and interacts with students.

“I want to hear people’s stories and be present… I want the students to know who I am, and I want to be approachable,” he said.

This means he will be an active member of the community, Hunt said, going to student club meetings and Student Government Association meetings, as needed, being present for conversations on student issues and controversies, as well as being there for student support, and asking questions of his own.

“I’m a contributor like everyone else,” he said.

Though Hunt has been in administrative roles in his career before, he finds it important to not make assumptions and ask questions, and work with colleagues and students. He is a believer in students, he said.

 

If a student fails, the first place to look isn’t at the student, but at the system itself, and see where the system could be adjusted, Hunt said.

“I assume every student here wants to be successful… they are sacrificing valuable time with their families to be here. I assume good intentions,” he said.

When he is not at work, Hunt said he is usually awake 4 in the morning, or 5 a.m. if he’s sleeping in.

“If the sun is up when I’m up, that means I’m already late,” he said.

He likes to jog or hike, Hunt said, adding that in his heart, he is someone who admires nature as well as students, having worked at a nature center in South Florida.

He didn’t consider living in Connecticut until the position at Manchester came up, Hunt said, adding that the opportunity to work with a great team was too good to pass up.

To contact Dean Hunt, visit room SSC L285, or email him at [email protected].