Hassel Morrison was appointed vice president for student life in 2018, leading campus-wide efforts to engage students in the life of the college in support of their learning, well-being, and success. He oversees the Dean of Students Office, the Counseling Center, the Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion, Public Safety, the Posse Program, Residence Life, Student Activities, Buntrock Commons, Campus Recreation, Wellness Programs, and Student Health Services. He also serves as a member of the St. Olaf Council on Equity and Inclusion. 

Hassel has more than 26 years of higher education experience in leadership development, community outreach and service, public-private partnerships, assessment, and recruitment and retention. Prior to his appointment at St. Olaf, he served as associate dean of students at the University of Idaho and as a faculty member in the university’s College of Education, following previous appointments in a variety of student life roles at North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Union University, and Virginia State University. Hassel has also taught undergraduate courses on student development theory, leadership theory, and management principles. 

Under Hassel’s leadership, programs and services fostering student leadership, learning, and well-being have flourished, with expanded opportunities in the Taylor Center, Student Activities, Health Services, wellness programs, and mental health.  He has overseen millions of dollars of grant funds supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the student experience, with particular emphasis on the experience of marginalized students. In addition, Hassel’s team has played a vital role in the development of the Ole Avenue Project, which features the construction of a 300-bed residence hall and 140-bed townhome complex. 

Hassel completed a Bachelors of Science in media studies from Radford University, a Masters of Education in educational leadership from Virginia State University, and a Doctorate in educational leadership, policy, and human development from North Carolina State University.