April Harris

April Harris is the Dean of Students at Southern Virginia University. Her role is to oversee student conduct and the needs of students to enhance the student experience through campus activities and events, and is the leading supporter of residence life efforts for students in university housing.

Harris joined the Student Life team in 2015 as a coordinator assisting the Dean of Students. There she supported student government and assisted with new student orientation. From 2017–20, Harris served as the director of activities, and in 2019, Harris was asked to serve as an assistant dean of students. She continued serving students as a Dean’s Council member while also serving as the director of housing from 2020–24.

Harris is a Virginia native. She and her husband, Jason, are college sweethearts who have raised their family in Rockbridge County since 2003. They have four children and manage a small hobby farm that boasts beautiful Highland cows. Harris is known among those who know her best for her cool dance moves, good cooking, and her charming Southern accent.