A search is being conducted to fill the vice president of Student Affairs position, said Vice President of Finance and Administration Amy Buxbaum.

Vice President of Student Affairs Jonathan Wescott has stepped down to associate vice president of Student Affairs. Wescott announced he was leaving the position, during the fall semester.

Wescott said he chose to step down for a variety of reasons.

“Much of it has to do with striving for professional and personal balance,” he said.

“It was the appropriate time and opportunity.”

Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar announced Wescott being named Vice President of Student Affairs in July 2008. “Having worked for over a decade in the student services field, Mr. Wescott brings extensive experience along with a proven record of success as an administrator,” said Spectar in a press release.

Wescott said he started at Pitt-Johnstown seven years ago as the Director of Housing and Residence Life, said Wescott.

Prior to working at Pitt-Johnstown, Wescott served as director of Housing and Residence Life at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa., and assistant director of Residence Life at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

As associate vice president of Student Affairs, some of Wescott’s duties are to have direct oversight of student activities, and serve as campus chief conduct officer.

A committee that includes faculty, staff and students is conducting the vice president search, said Buxbaum.

The committee is reviewing applications from across the country, she said.

“The national search efforts have generated a large applicant pool.”

She said a successor should be named by March 1.