In an email addressed to the NYU Abu Dhabi community, Dean of Students Dave Tinagero announced his resignation on Feb. 4. After three-and-a-half years at NYUAD, Tinagero will be leaving at the end of this academic year to return to the United States. Tinagero cited family reasons in explaining his resignation.

Signing off, “Warmly, Dave,” Tinagero framed the notice as a piece of personal news and emphasized that to leave Abu Dhabi was a difficult decision.

“Joining NYUAD has been one of the best decisions my family has made. In the end, though, I have chosen to take a new opportunity for family reasons,” wrote Tinagero.

Tinagero became the third dean of students at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic year, having served as deputy assistant for the former Dean of Students Julie Avina. Avina had served as dean of students since Jan. 2011, and decided to return to NYU New York after two-and-a-half years. Jim Larimore was NYUAD's first dean of students for half a year. Following his resignation, Charles Grim stood in briefly as dean of students before Avina took the position.

In his email, Tinagero thanked the staff, faculty, Vice Chancellor and NYUAD leadership. He mentioned his appreciation of the students in particular, to whom his "gratitude is, by far, the most significant," and noted that “the NYUAD student body remains the most compelling narrative of this truly global institution.”

In light of Tinagero’s schoolwide announcement, Vice Chancellor Al Bloom noted Tinagero’s impact on the community.

“Dave is a truly extraordinary dean, who has given exceptional leadership to the development of Student Life at NYUAD,” wrote Bloom to The Gazelle. “The model he sets of generosity of spirit, subtlety of response to student needs and wisdom and passion in educating for a world of greater mutual understanding will have a profound impact on the future of this institution. We will miss him greatly.”

Student Government Vice President and senior Alex Nyikos said that Tinagero has been a great partner, especially in troubleshooting residential problems last semester during NYUAD’s transition to the Saadiyat campus. Nyikos commended Tinagero for his general receptiveness to student concerns.

In July, Tinagero will take the post of headmaster at St Andrew’s, a preparatory boarding school in Rhode Island. University administration has not yet released information regarding Tinagero’s resignation or his replacement for the next academic year.

Joey Bui is editor in chief. Email her at jbui@thegazelle.org.