Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Akirah J. Bradley has named Austin Jamar “JB” Banks as the associate vice chancellor and dean of students. He started in his new role at CU Boulder on July 13. Additionally, Devin Cramer has been appointed as the assistant dean of students. He had been serving as the interim assistant dean of students since January 2020.
JB Banks
Prior to joining CU Boulder, Banks served as associate vice chancellor and dean of students for student affairs at Winston-Salem State University. In this role, Banks was a senior leader on issues involving student health, wellness and safety. He was also responsible for the development and maintenance of all threat and crisis management plans for the Division of Student Affairs.
In addition to his work at Winston-Salem State University, Banks has also served in various roles at Appalachian State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has 20 years of university experience in the areas of housing and residence life, student involvement and leadership, sorority and fraternity life, career development, health services, crisis management and student conduct.
“When we began our search for this position, it was important to find a leader with a depth of experience in student engagement and an understanding of how to support students through crisis,” said Bradley. “We sought a candidate who could confidently advocate for our students and support the intersection of all their identities, while also advocating around the comprehensive student experience, bringing to light the most recent student issues and concerns. JB not only fulfills all these criteria, but also brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in student development.”
Banks has been excited to begin his new role at CU Boulder and start working with campus partners to support students and help create a positive campus experience.
“I am very excited to be joining the CU Boulder community,” said Banks. “With these unprecedented times, I look forward to working with the student affairs leadership team and partners across campus to help ensure our students have a safe and positive experience this fall.”
Banks earned a bachelor of arts degree in speech communication and criminal justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a master of science degree in educational leadership with a specialization in leadership and multicultural student development and retention from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a certification in leadership from Harvard University.
Devin Cramer
Cramer has been at CU Boulder for 10 years, starting as a hall director and holding several positions in Residence Life before moving to Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) in August 2014. As an associate director, he led the initiative to redesign the conduct process in the residence halls, focusing on education and student development. As director, he continued to prioritize the innovation of restorative practices and conflict resolution within both Student Conduct and Honor Code processes. In January 2020, he accepted the role of interim assistant dean of students. He continued to provide support to SCCR, and has also worked diligently to manage student crises on campus, providing support to Student Support and Case Management as well as chairing the Students of Concern Team.
Cramer earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Western Washington University. He then received a master of science in higher education and student affairs at Indiana University Bloomington.
