past 15 years in progressively more responsible leadership roles at Coastal Carolina University. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Auxiliary Enterprises and Chief Sustainability Officer, where he provided executive leadership for housing, dining, parking and transportation, campus card services, grounds, custodial services, and sustainability. In this role, he oversaw more than $80 million in annual operating revenues and provided leadership for more than 500 employees while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on complex financial, operational, and strategic priorities. As Coastal Carolina's inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer, Steve established the university's sustainability governance structure, secured funding to advance long-term sustainability initiatives, and led the institution to achieve AASHE STARS Gold designation. He holds a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Guilford College.
In the Associate Vice President role, Steve joins the Student Affairs leadership team as an important thought partner, helping advance the division's strategic priorities while strengthening the operational foundation that supports our work. He will build on the strong partnerships already in place, working closely with colleagues in Finance and Administration, Capital Planning, Human Resources, the Provost's Office, and the Executive Vice President's organization. His portfolio includes leadership of Student Affairs' facilities management, housing operations, human resources, financial administration, sustainability initiatives, and auxiliary functions, ensuring these essential services continue to support an outstanding student experience and position the division for continued success.
I am grateful to our dedicated search committee, Rachel Satterfield, Tom Morrison, and Debbie Heida, for their thoughtful leadership throughout this process. I also want to thank the undergraduate and graduate and professional students, faculty partners, administrators, and campus leaders who met with our finalists and shared their perspectives. Their engagement helped identify Steve as the strongest candidate for this important role.
Outside of work, Steve enjoys motorcycle riding, discovering local coffee shops, and following soccer after playing collegiately. He and his wife, Dr. Emily Gaspar, who recently joined UNC Greensboro as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, have two sons, Cody and Caleb, who are rising sophomores on Wentworth Institute of Technology's volleyball team. As Steve settles into Duke, please be sure to introduce yourself and share your favorite Durham coffee shop or local recommendation. We look forward to the experience, perspective, and collaborative leadership he will bring to Duke and the Division of Student Affairs.
Sincerely,
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost/Vice President for Student Affairs
