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Brian O'Bruba

 

Brian currently serves as the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UC Merced, bringing over 28 years of higher education experience across five campuses. His leadership focuses on creating opportunities for students to connect their academic and co-curricular lives, fostering a sense of belonging and student success at UC Merced. 

 

Before this interim role, Brian was the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement, overseeing the Office of Student Involvement, Associated Students, Community Engagement Center, CollegeCorps Program, Margo Souza Student Leadership Center, Yosemite Leadership Program, and the Student Career Center. His team supports student engagement through programs that promote experiential education, co-curricular experiences, and student excellence. 

 

From 2017 to 2022, Brian served as the Executive Director for the Office of Leadership, Service, and Career, implementing a new organizational structure to enhance service delivery. He managed the Student Career Center, Margo Souza Student Leadership Center, Yosemite Leadership Program, Community Engagement Center, Professional Clothing Closet, and Basic Needs Services, including the Bobcat Pantry. 

 

Previously, he was the Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Life (2014-2017), overseeing Student Life, Civic Engagement, Social Justice Initiatives, Women's Programs, LGBTQ+ Initiatives, Student Leadership Programs, Associated Student Government, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Clubs and Organizations, Student Conduct, Graduate Student Services, Student Career Center, and the Campus Store. 

 

Brian began his UC Merced tenure as the Director of Career Services (2010-2014), developing a nationally recognized career services program and attracting diverse employers to the campus.