Division of Student Affairs

Valerie Simmons-Walston is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Kent State University where she earned a B.A. in Sociology, then went on to Hampton University where she received a M.A. in Counseling. She is currently writing her dissertation and is elated to be in the final stages of earning a Doctorate in higher Education at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Walston was recently appointed the newest Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Toledo in Toledo OH. This position affords her the opportunity to supervise a team of stellar professionals who work within the offices of Residence Life, Housing, University Counseling, the University Recreation Center, and Facilities/ Building Services. She has served in a myriad of Leadership roles over the past twenty years within the Public School System, and in the arena of Higher Education. Prior to her most recent position, Walston served in the role of Dean of Students at Brenau University for 11 years. At Brenau, she had oversight of Residence Life Staff, Career Services, Judicial Affairs, Office of International Studies and the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs. Additionally, Walston provided resources for students who experienced academic difficulty and managed the University conduct/discipline process. She is a passionate student advocate and has received numerous accolades for her accomplishments to include a feature in the 2016 Leadership edition of MOXIE, a women’s magazine published by the Gainesville Times in Gainesville, Georgia. Walston worked as a School Counselor/Director for 8 years within the Norfolk Public Schools system in Norfolk Virginia.

Community Service is important in the fabric of Walston’s Life. She has recently accepted a seat on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross in Toledo, OH. In the past, she has served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, volunteered as a mentor with toastmasters, taught a women’s Sunday school class, and lead multiple service projects for her sorority- Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc. Zumba is her favorite pastime along with collecting dolphins. She has a great sense of humor, contagious personality, and a zest for life.

As Senior Business Manager for the Division of Student Affairs, Martha is responsible for fiscal and human resources management for all units within the division. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Toledo.

Dr. Sammy Spann currently serves as the Interim Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. His areas of responsibility include Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Advocacy and Support, Student Involvement and Leadership including Greek Life and the University Counseling Center. He is also the Director of Camp Adventure. The Camp Adventure™ program serves children and youth of military families overseas by integrating UT students learning with service.

Dr. Spann received his Ph.D. in Special Education/Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Toledo; his M.A. in Special Education and Behavior Disorders from The University of Northern Iowa and his B.S.in Family and Consumer Sciences; Infant/Child Development from Fort Valley State University.

Dr. Spann works closely with several international and domestic student groups on campus as well as mentoring minority students. He does numerous presentations every year and has worked in higher education for over twenty years. Dr. Spann has also traveled extensively in over 72 countries around the world. He has attended Harvard Business School, High Potential Leadership Training, Millennium Leadership Institute and serves as a Board Member for the UTMC Credit Union, Blue Key Honor Society and Camp Adventure to name a few. He enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife and two daughters.

With a MA in Advertising from Michigan State University and BA in Communications from the University of Toledo, Abhishek wants to bring strategy to the creative world of visual communication. He works with offices across the division to fulfill their marketing and communication needs. He is responsible for bringing campaign strategies and creative ideas to life. He also works closely with the university's Marketing and Communications department to develop promotional material which support the offices' outreach efforts.

His experience with different forms of media such as website, video production, photography, and social media inform his multimedia approach towards marketing. He is excited about learning new technology and executing it as part of his multimedia universe.