ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Rev. Vicki Flippin was born and baptized into the Taiwan Methodist Church. The child of a UMC Women’s Division long-term missionary and a Chinese war veteran, Dean Flippin's family moved to the United States when she was a toddler, and she was raised in the United Methodist Church in Missouri. Dean Flippin graduated college from the University of Chicago, where she discerned a call to work for social change through professional ministry.
She attended Yale Divinity School, where she found her first progressive church home at First and Summerfield UMC, which nurtured her with mentors and ministry experiences as a student. After attending Yale Divinity School, she was ordained an elder in the NYAC in 2011 and for 14 years worked for LGBTQ equality, racial justice, and immigrant rights in local churches. She has also been Co-President of the National Board of the Methodist Federation for Social Action and has served on the steering committee of Methodists in New Directions, the Conference Commission on Religion and Race, the Conference Commission on Higher Education and Ministry, the Board of Ordained Ministry, and the NYAC General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegation. In 2022, she followed her joy working with students and joined the administration of Yale Divinity School, where she currently serves as Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE
Originally from Stoke-On-Trent, England, Kit was a first-generation university graduate in his family, following studies in sociolinguistics and bilingualism at Prifysgol Bangor, Wales. Upon graduating, Kit remained within higher education, now as an employee and originally as a stopgap while they and their partner worked through the green card process to move to the US. It was in this first role post-graduation that Kit found a passion for advocating for the student experience, and the power of raising up student communities on campus.
As the Director of Student Life at YDS, Kit works with the Office of Student Affairs to oversee the 25+ YDS student groups, mentor student group leaders, assist in the management of OSA's budget and administrative process, and oversee the production of community events, including BTFO, Commencement and other major events throughout the year.
Kit (he/him) comes to YDS following three years as Associate Director of Student Life at the Yale School of Management. During his time at SOM, Kit oversaw the training and development of student government and more than 70 student clubs, while cultivating opportunities for community building at SOM. He has served on numerous important committees at the university, including committees dealing with Title IX, DEI-related projects, and, most recently, internal communications focused on accurate representation of LGBTQ+ issues within Yale. Kit has also provided professional development opportunities for colleagues in helping to provide foundation training and awareness around the LGBTQ+ community, and has facilitated multiple workshops on this topic to encourage advanced care of students within these populations.
Before relocating to the U.S. in 2016, Kit worked in higher education in the U.K., in positions focused on student engagement and community. Kit draws heavily on the principles and values reflected in their personal spirituality and brings them to YDS in their work; to honor the dignity of all who we connect with; to seek joy, humor, and truth in all we do; and to consciously work for equity, justice, and belonging for all. YDS is a familiar environment for Kit, whose partner is YDS alum Jordan Heeley '21 M.Div.
Schedule a time to meet Kit with for 30 minutes or 60 minutes!
STUDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Shafton Haley is a self-proclaimed New Haven Native. Growing up in West Haven and attending kindergarten through twelfth grade in New Haven and Hamden, within a 1-mile radius of the Divinity School, he has called New Haven his home for many years. After graduating from Roger Williams University in Bristol Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Philosophy, Shafton has worked in various fields including Human Resources, Education, and Operational Management. With a passion for working with people and education, Shafton was honored and eager to accept the position of Student Services Coordinator at the Divinity School.
As the Student Service Coordinator, Shafton works with the Dean of Students and the OSA Team to coordinate and oversee a range of processes and programs in such areas as event planning and preparation, scheduling, student clubs and organizations, and office/club expenses; as well as all school-wide events relating to the Student Body.
Over the years Shafton has grown to love working face-to-face with individuals in the pursuit of knowledge as well as working in a collaborative and supportive community. Shafton draws from his passion for developing new connections and supporting communities to help the YDS population thrive and strive for greatness; all with humor, enthusiasm, and a loving smile.
EMBEDDED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Elizabeth Burns is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in mental health settings around the country and abroad. She most recently provided outpatient therapy at a private practice in New Haven. Elizabeth draws from a variety of therapeutic models in her practice, with a primary focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She earned her M.S.W. from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago.
As the YDS Embedded Mental Health Counselor, Elizabeth serves as a part-time counselor working for Yale Mental Health & Counseling in coordination with the YDS Office of Student Affairs. She provides community programming and short-term individual therapeutic support to YDS students. Her office is located on the lower level of the northeast building (near the Jonathan Edwards Center), and she will be in person at YDS an average of two days a week.
Students can schedule a session with Elizabeth using this form on Yale Connect.
Here is more information on support services offered by our Elizabeth:
