Steve Zeeh, Ph.D., joined Metropolitan State University of Denver on Monday as Student Affairs’ inaugural assistant vice president for Health and Well-being. Zeeh previously served for two years as AVP for Student Community College from 2017-22. He brings 14 years of experience in higher education, including involvement in strategic planning, policy development, program development and implementation, and managing budgets.
“I’m passionate about addressing issues of equity and inclusion and about creating student well–being initiatives that reduce barriers and improve academic success,” Zeeh said. “But I also know what it takes to make programs and initiatives work.”
He intends to use his experience providing leadership and managerial oversight, making unit- and department-level budget decisions, managing grant objectives and maintaining compliance with fiscal regulations to strengthen the Student Affairs branch and to support Roadrunners.
Zeeh earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services as well as a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Student Affairs and College Counseling from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He completed his doctorate in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado.
He spoke with the Early Bird about his careerlong commitment to student success.
EB: What led you to working with and for students?
Zeeh: Working in higher education was always part of my professional plan. I started my career in roles that allowed me to impact the well-being of individual students, and I have grown to understand how to cultivate a state of well-being at an institutional level. I work in higher education because I truly believe we change lives, and I also believe we as an institution have a responsibility to our students and their families to create an environment that promotes well-being and a sense of belonging.
My passion for ensuring that every student realizes their full potential at a collegiate level is what drew me to student affairs and development. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a student you worked with walk across that stage at graduation.
EB: What excites you about the possibilities you see in this position?
Zeeh: I am excited to make the transition to MSU Denver because of the value that leadership at the institution has placed on holistic student well-being. I am very excited to promote and advance the amazing work that is already happening across campus. I believe MSU Denver can be a visionary leader in the health-and-well-being space.
EB: Which CADRE value do you most identify with?
Zeeh: I embrace and personally lead from all the CADRE values, but I most align with Access. We need to acknowledge the issues of access to health and well-being for diverse student populations and make improvements to reduce those barriers. I plan to address issues of access when reviewing existing programs and services and when creating new ones.
