Meet the Dean

Letter to Students

I am so glad you are a part of the University of Florida community, and I am honored to serve as your Interim Dean of Students. I have invested my career serving colleges and universities across the United States, advocating for a positive student experience, and finding ways to elevate the work of Student Life within the collegiate environment. A Gator by choice, I am fully committed to supporting students in every program, serving as a gateway to your UF experience, encouraging your growth, providing care, and promoting accountability. 

I often engage in conversations about the health, safety, and wellbeing of UF students, including dialogue directly with students and family members in the midst of crisis. Unfortunately, Gators do face uncertainty, distress, and emergent situations. In those moments, my team within the Dean of Students Office advocates and provides support in the face of challenges both big and small, caring for our diverse community in a wide variety of circumstances. 

Each student brings a unique identity to both engage the community at UF and enrich the University through their contributions. As your Interim Dean of Students, I’m here for each of you in moments that matter. To be an ally and champion, while also calling you to lean into the full University of Florida experience.    

I hope you find the University of Florida to be a place of immense opportunity and one with a caring community that transcends the boundaries of campus.  I invite you to share thoughts, ideas, and concerns as well as to collaborate, innovate, and get involved with one of the areas of the Dean of Students Office or the Division of Student Life. Together, we have the opportunity to build on our common experiences and envision a future where we continue to rise. I hope to see you around campus and look forward to connecting with you soon.  

Go Gators!
Jonathan Yorkowitz
University Interim Dean of Students

Biography

Jonathan Yorkowitz has served as (Interim) University Dean of Students since September 2022 and as Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Dean of Students Office since April 2021. His work at the University of Florida and within the Division of Student Life focuses on programs and initiatives that support student accountability, transitions, and wellbeing as well as emergency response. Currently, Jonathan oversees the Dean of Students Office, including Administrative Services, Campus Assistance and Resources for Empowerment (CARE), and Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR), as well as the Center for New Student and Family Programs.

Prior to assuming his roles at the University of Florida, Jonathan served as Associate Dean of Students at the University of Indianapolis where he collaborated with the Vice President of Student Affairs to provide overall divisional leadership, serve as chief conduct officer, lead the housing & residence life program, and manage several student service administrative functions. Before arriving in Indianapolis in 2017, he served in student affairs and administrative roles at five colleges and universities in California, Texas, and Washington since 2005. Jonathan is a Ph.D. Candidate at Indiana State University in Educational Administration, Higher Education Leadership. He also holds a Master of Arts in Human Services, has completed additional graduate study in Intercultural Studies, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting. Jonathan is a member of numerous national/international professional organizations where he has contributed his efforts to leadership roles, mentoring, and conference presentations.