John Agnelli, Vice President of Student Affairs

John Agnelli's journey has taken a few sharp turns. But Vaughn College's new vice president of student affairs finally feels at home.

"This is such a unique place," Agnelli says. "There are so many good things happening here. The students really care about Vaughn; they're really proud of their alma mater. It's great to be a part of something like that."

Hired in the spring of 2011, Agnelli came to Vaughn from New York Institute of Technology and before that Pace University. But his path to a college vice presidency began in, of all places, the food service industry, in which he worked after graduating from the State University of New York at Delhi.

His previous career had its advantages, Agnelli says, but he always felt a desire to return to higher education. What could be more natural for someone who, fresh out of high school, won a seat on the Pawling, N.Y. school board at age 18?

"Few people grow up saying they want to work at a college," Agnelli says. "But then you go to college and you see the jobs people have and it's inspiring. Serving people has always been my foremost priority."

Agnelli manages nearly all of Vaughn's student activities, including clubs and athletics, student orientation and the residential experience. It's a 24-hours-a-day responsibility chock full of challenges and rewards.

The good news is he has the full weight of the College's senior administration behind him.

"The people here are allowing me to create a division that is alive 24-7," Agnelli says. "We're going in such a positive direction, no question."

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