Staff

Dr. Alvin Sturdivant became the Vice Provost for Student Development at Seattle University in August 2017, where he previously served as Assistant and Associate Vice President for Student Development. As Vice Provost, Dr. Sturdivant serves as the senior student affairs officer and provides visionary and administrative leadership for a number of key departments towards fostering student success, engagement, retention and an integrated learning experience. He also holds adjunct appointments in the College of Arts and Sciences, teaching courses associated with multiculturalism, the deconstruction of hate in the US and abroad, and race and ethnicity.
Prior to joining SU, Dr. Sturdivant was the Director of Housing and Residence Life at St Louis University. Prior to joining Student Development at St Louis University, he served as the Associate Director of Residential Life at the University of Vermont where he was also an adjunct faculty member in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program and an instructor at the Community College of Vermont. Prior he worked in the Office of Residence Life at Syracuse University in several different positions.
Dr. Sturdivant received his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Vermont and his MA and BS at North Carolina State University. His scholarly and professional interests include examining the effects of oppression and discriminatory practices in college communities, exploring the experiences of students of color in higher education, examining campus climate in the context of bias related acts and behaviors, and exploring the experiences of African American men in higher education.
Dr. Sturdivant serves on the board of directors for the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA and the Seattle Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas.

Dr. James Willette is the Associate Provost of Student Develpment and Dean of Students at Seattle University.  Dr. Willette earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at Colorado State University in 2016.  Dr. Willette's dissertation focused on the lived experiences of gay men who attend Jesuit Catholic universities.  Dr. Willette completed a Master of Education degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont in 2007, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing with a Media and Creative Writing focus at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont in 2005.

Michelle Etchart serves as the Assistant Provost of Student Development. Her primary responsibilities include leading the division’s focus on student success and retention, developing strong working relationships with campus partners and coordinating professional development for staff and graduate students who work in Student Development.  Michelle completed a Master of Education degree in Higher Education at Oregon State University.  Michelle joined Seattle University in 2002 as Director of Leadership & Community Service and over the past 15 years has developed a deep commitment to Jesuit education and the students of Seattle University