Richard J. Gatteau, PhD
Interim Academic Program Director
Dr. Rick Gatteau is the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and serves as the Interim Academic Program Director in the Higher Education Administration program. Dr. Gatteau earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University and his master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont.
He completed his PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration at Fordham University. His dissertation focused on female presidential leadership in higher education. Dr. Gatteau worked as a Hall Director at the University of Vermont and as Assistant Director and Director of Residential Life at Iona College before transitioning to academic advising.
Dr. Gatteau was the Senior Dean of Columbia University's sophomore advising center before coming to Stony Brook University in 2002 as Director of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising. In 2011, he became the Assistant Provost, and in 2014 became the Associate Provost for Academic Success.
In 2018, he was appointed as the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and then accepted the permanent position in 2019. In this role, Dr. Gatteau leads the University's efforts to support student success outside of the classroom, focusing on student engagement in campus life and experiential learning. He also strengthens efforts to build community, spirit, and pride among Stony Brook's undergraduate and graduate students.