OXFORD, Miss. – Tony Vukusich and Kacey Schaum share a common bond of dedication to students and a passion for their work, which makes them strong additions to the team in the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Mississippi.
Tony Vukusich and Kacey Schaum
Vukusich came to UM in February as assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life, and Schaum became assistant dean of students for leadership and involvement in May. Val Ross, the university’s associate dean of students, deems Vukusich and Schaum student-centered and dedicated student affairs professionals.
“Throughout the interview process, both Kacey and Tony demonstrated that they held the University of Mississippi in high regard,” Ross said. “They communicated without hesitation that they wanted to be here and shared that they were eager to contribute to creating and maintaining exceptional programming. Also, they had done their homework, and they were able to articulate a plan both verbally and in writing that was consistent with the mission of the institution and the Office of the Dean of Students.”
Schaum and Vukusich were no strangers. They first met in 2010 at an American College Personnel Association conference in Boston. Fitting with both Vukusich’s and Schaum’s personal principles, the ACPA is dedicated to advancing student affairs and engaging students for a lifetime of learning and discovery. Both served on the organization’s standing committee for graduate students and new professionals, where they got to know each other better.
Vukusich said his new position provides a great opportunity to work with a well-regarded Greek community and students who want to make a difference. He began his interest in student affairs at Indiana State University, where worked as a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Activities and Organizations and received his master’s degree in student affairs and higher education. Working with residential and Greek life at other universities, his career path then led him to work his own fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, at a national level as director of programs and stewardship and eventually as director of alumni services.
Each day gives Vukusich an opportunity to positively impact students’ futures, making the work rewarding, he said. While overseeing a national scholarship program, he received a letter from a scholarship recipient reminding him of the importance of his work.
“This young man was struggling to finance his education; working multiple jobs, maintaining an outstanding academic record and being a leader on campus had taken its toll,” Vukusich said. “Unbeknownst to me or the selection committee, this young man had planned to withdraw from school because of the financial hardship he was facing. Because of this award, he was able to complete his undergraduate degree and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. I am confident that this award changed his life and outlook; however, I am equally confident that it changed mine.”
Vukusich wants to forge positive opinions of the Ole Miss Greek community by helping students and organizations define what they believe in and showing them how their actions fit into the plan. His motto is “fraternity and sorority done right.”
“Our students have the opportunity to make a difference on campus, in Oxford, in Mississippi and in the world,” he said. “The possibilities are limitless and it starts with being engaged, passionate and following your dreams.”
Schaum attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania as a first-generation college student and served as an orientation leader. Her work there sparked an interest in pursuing her work with students. Her supervisor, Catherine Dugan, served as a mentor and friend, and in times of need, she was the person whom Schaum could talk to and seek advice.
“I knew after working for her the first year that I wanted to pay it forward and be that person for other students,” Schaum said.
Schaum went on to pursue her master’s degree in higher education administration and student personnel from Kent State University and landed at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, where she became assistant director of student life. She credits the leadership students she worked with throughout their college careers with helping her grow into the professional and leadership educator that she is today.
Her new role at UM returns Schaum to her background in working with a larger institution. Ready to gain new experiences and delve into leadership programming, she looks forward most to building genuine, caring relationships with students.
Both Vukusich and Schaum lead by example and are ready to face the challenges and triumphs of their new positions and to embrace the UM spirit and Oxford community. Vukusich already claims red and blue as his favorite colors and Schaum is not-so-patiently awaiting football season, making them both perfect additions to the Ole Miss family.
And while she waits for football season, Schaum said she will continue to offer advice to students.
“Take full advantage of these years at Ole Miss,” she said. “Time goes by so quickly, and before you know it, you will graduate. Embrace opportunities. Don’t be afraid to meet new people and try new things. Grow comfortable with being uncomfortable. Get involved and be committed – future employers are going to want to see that you excelled inside and outside of the classroom.”