Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Jeff Cathey serves as Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs. He previously served as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, where he oversaw a portfolio of departments including Community-Engaged Leadership, Campus Activities, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, and the Plemmons Student Union. Cathey has also been designated by the Chancellor as the university’s Responsible Officer for Free Speech and co-advises the Student Government Association.
In his role as Interim Vice Provost, Cathey provides strategic leadership for all departments under Student Affairs, supporting over 200 professional staff and student employees. His administrative responsibilities include student advocacy, leadership education, campus activities, crisis response, and collaboration with student health, wellness, and counseling services. He also partners closely with enrollment management, academic leadership, and other administrative units to advance student success, well-being, and engagement.
Prior to joining Appalachian in 2014, Cathey served as Associate Dean of Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and as Assistant and then Associate Dean of Students at Colorado College. He holds a B.S. in Animal Science and an M.S. in College Student Personnel, both from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.