SHU Appoints Director of Graduate Life

Robert Gilmore plans to build on resources students can use post-graduation

Sacred Heart University has appointed Robert Gilmore director of graduate life. His main responsibility is to enhance graduate students’ on-campus experience.

Gilmore earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Sacred Heart in 2007 and his master’s degree in teaching from SHU in 2009. Prior to becoming director of graduate life, he was director of campus experience, responsible for ensuring that incoming undergraduate students felt welcome and part of the SHU community upon their arrival.

“Rob is a huge part of why our undergraduate students have a welcoming experience the second they walk onto our campus,” said Miguel Martinez-Saenz, senior vice president for student engagement. “I am looking forward to seeing the work he does with our graduate students.”

In a question-and-answer interview, Gilmore discussed his experience and plans for his new role.

If you were to pitch SHU to a prospective student, what would you say and why?

I would tell them SHU offers all students, both undergraduate and graduate, an experience that makes them feel connected to their academic programs. This feeling enables them to interact with professionals in their field and to continue their professional journey.

How will your previous role as director of campus experience benefit you in your new position?

As the director of campus experience, I welcomed students to the University and showed them everything SHU has to offer. I will do the same with graduate students by welcoming them when they arrive, working hand-in-hand with them and enabling them to see what the world has to offer them once they are ready to graduate.

What are some of your responsibilities and goals in your new role?

My responsibilities include working with our graduate and professional populations to enhance their Pioneer experience through resources, services and events. Additionally, I help our large cohort of international students feel connected to this community, both on and off campus, as soon as they arrive in the U.S. and at SHU.

My goals are very simple: to better the experience for all graduate students, listen to them and provide them with the resources they need to establish a sense of professionalism for themselves as they get ready to leave the University. 

What is it about SHU that makes you want to continue your career here?

SHU is my second home. I have been here for nearly 20 years, and this community is truly life-changing. I say to people all the time, “While America runs on Dunkin’, I run on SHU.” Coming to campus every day and interacting with such amazing students and wonderful colleagues really energizes me. SHU makes every day an adventure, and a good one at that.