Novak named director of University Housing

Jeffrey Novak, director of housing operations and residence life at the University of Central Florida, has been selected as the next director of University Housing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Novak has been at Central Florida since 2001. He has served in his current position for three years.

“Jeff has a strong record of leadership and extensive experience in university housing and residence life,” says Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Darrell Bazzell. “In addition to his leadership and management skills, he has demonstrated an ability to thrive in a collegial environment. He will work effectively and collaboratively in the Division of University Housing and with partners across the campus.”

Novak will join University Housing on July 21. He will succeed Paul Evans, who is retiring after having worked for the division for 36 years, including the last 16 years as director. Novak and his wife, Kelley, have three children, boys Braden and Cole, ages 8 and 9, and daughter Dylan, 3.

“I am truly excited to be joining the UW–Madison team, and I am very excited for my family to make this transition,” Novak says. “UW-Madison has a strong tradition of developing an enriching residence life experience, both academically and socially, and of offering excellent dining services. I hope to build on that legacy.”

Novak has a doctor of education degree from Central Florida and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Florida.

The director of the Division of University Housing is responsible for leading, planning and directing the complete operations of University Housing which include undergraduate residence halls, graduate apartment housing, and dining operations.

The finalists were recommended to Bazzell by a 13-member search committee of faculty, staff and students. Steve Amundson, director of Campus and Visitor Relations, chaired the committee.