UMD Names New Vice President of Student Affairs

An alumna who serves as vice president of student affairs at Virginia Tech will take on that role here in January, University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh announced yesterday. 

Patricia “Patty” A. Perillo Ph.D. '02 will partner with campus leadership, students and internal and external stakeholders on creative initiatives that elevate the student experience. She will be a member of the President’s Cabinet and will work closely with the provost, and academic affairs and faculty colleagues to enhance all students’ time at Maryland, both in the classroom and beyond.

“Dr. Perillo’s student-centered leadership, her commitment to the student experience, academic excellence, and social justice, along with her passion for helping students who need support will serve her well on our campus,” Loh said. “Patty’s prior experience as a vice president for student affairs at a land-grant research university is invaluable.”

At Virginia Tech, Perillo provides leadership and oversight for more than 20 Student Affairs departments and administrative units. She is also an assistant professor of higher education. 

“I am thrilled to return to the University of Maryland to work with new and former colleagues to ensure the best possible experience for students in their academic and personal development,” said Perillo. “I have spent my career working closely with students, faculty and staff to address student needs, and I look forward to meeting and engaging with the exceptional students at UMD.”

Prior to Virginia Tech, Perillo served as associate dean of students at Davidson College and assistant vice president for student affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She previously worked at the University of Maryland, the State University of New York’s Plattsburgh and Albany campuses, and the University of Delaware. Throughout her 30-year career in higher education, Perillo has served in a variety of roles in student and academic affairs. 

Perillo was elected president of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA)—College Student Educators International, chaired the 2011 ACPA Convention and served on the ACPA and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Consolidation Steering Committee and their competencies task force; as well as the ACPA Foundation.

Her honors include ACPA’s Esther Lloyd Jones Professional Service Award, ACPA’s Diamond Honoree Award and inductions into Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Before completing her doctorate at UMD in public and community health, she earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware.

Perillo relishes her close community of friends and engaging in the arts, athletic events, exercise, reflection, music, reading and entertaining. She returns to College Park with her spouse, Lisa K. Speas, whom she met on UMD’s campus 26 years ago. Perillo, one of eight children, looks forward to being closer to family in Delaware.