As the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students for the University of Louisville, Dr. Mardis oversees the following areas: Housing; Counseling Center; Career Development Center; Student Government Association (SGA); Dean of Students Office; Student Involvement; Campus Health; Student Activities Center; Fraternities & Sororities; Clubs & Organizations; Student Programming Board; Student Conduct; Civic Engagement, Leadership & Service Learning; Disability Resource Center; Student Grievance Officer; Student Advocate; Parent Programs; Assessment; Development; Campus Recreation; Student Recreation Center; ADA Compliance; International Service Learning; and TRIO Student Support Services.
Dr. Mardis is a three-time graduate of the University of Louisville, having earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Organizational Development from the University. With over 25 years of professional experience working in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Dean Mardis has served on the UofL staff and as a member of the staff senate, as well as serving as an adjunct instructor for graduate programs at Radford University and the University of Louisville. He is currently an affiliated faculty member of the University’s Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development. During his tenure as Chief Student Affairs Officer at UofL since 2015, Dr. Mardis has served under six presidents and interim presidents and five provosts and interim provosts.
Dean Mardis is passionate about helping students and improving student success. Under his leadership, the University of Louisville campus has transformed into a vibrant residential community with the construction of new residence halls, the Student Recreation Center, expansion and renovation of the Student Activities Center, creation of the Commonwealth Credit Union Cardinal Cupboard, and the building and renovating of offices to better serve students. Dean Mardis is thankful that the university has been recognized over the last 10+ years as a national leader in improving the retention and graduation rates of students.
An active presenter at national conferences, webinars and regional conferences, Dr. Mardis speaks on a wide range of topics, including behavioral intervention teams, emergency response, victim advocacy, student conduct, student engagement, campus safety, pandemic preparation, new professionals, professional balance, student organizations, the power of partnerships, leadership, and international service learning. His colleagues throughout Kentucky recognized him for his leadership with the 2018 College Personnel Association of Kentucky (CPAK) Outstanding Service Award. For his dedicated service to students, the SGA recognized Dr. Mardis with an award named in his honor in 2012, the “Michael Mardis Award for Excellence.”
