The University of Toledo named a new administrator to lead the division that oversees the counseling center, student activities and organizations, Greek life, and on-campus living.

Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell started this month as the interim vice president of student affairs, a wide-ranging position responsible for numerous student-focused services and groups.

He takes over the cabinet-level post after the retirement of Kaye Patten, the senior vice president of student affairs whose last day was last week.

His appointment marks the seventh new face among the university’s current 12-member senior leadership team since Sharon Gaber became UT president in July, 2015. Other changes to the cabinet include hires of provost, chief financial officer, vice president for advancement, and an interim administrator to oversee enrollment management.

In addition to combining some high-ranking roles, Ms. Gaber also created two new cabinet positions — a vice president for diversity and a chief of staff.

Ms. Patten had led the student affairs post for 11 years.

Mr. Cockrell was hired by UT last year as associate vice president and dean of students. He previously worked as an associate vice provost for student affairs and dean of students at Mississippi’s Jackson State University, from which he has his doctorate degree in urban higher education, according to his UT biography.

He received his bachelor’s degree in family studies from Mississippi University for Women and a master’s degree in educational leadership and student affairs from Florida International University.

He will be paid $170,000 in the interim role. Ms. Patten made $228,945.

UT spokesman Meghan Cunningham said the university has yet to begin a search process to fill the student affairs post permanently.

Contact Vanessa McCray at: vmccray@theblade.com or 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @vanmccray.

First Published June 9, 2017, 4:00 a.m.