From GNAC Intern to Vice Chancellor: Vaughn Calhoun’s Purpose-Driven Path in Higher Ed

In 2009, Vaughn Calhoun joined the Great Northeast Athletic Conference as an intern with dreams of becoming an athletic director. Today, he’s the newly named Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Rutgers University–Camden —a role centered on leadership, connection, and creating a premier student experience. Though he’s only a few weeks into the position, Vaughn is already focused on learning. “The best leaders take time to understand the people and the culture before making big decisions,” he said. “My goal is to build something impactful by truly contributing to the student experience.” Before stepping into his current role, Vaughn served for four years as Associate Vice President and Dean for the Center of Academic Success at Seton Hall University, where he built teams, developed programs, and prioritized student success. But his career path wasn’t exactly what he originally envisioned. A former Division I football player at Rutgers, Vaughn’s college journey took an unexpected turn when a knee injury his freshman year shifted his focus. “It wasn’t the experience I imagined,” he recalled. “But it put me on a path to make a difference and ensure other students had a meaningful experience.” That mission started during his time with the GNAC. As an intern, Vaughn had the rare opportunity to work closely with Commissioner Joe Walsh. “It was a smaller office at the time, so I got a lot of one-on-one time with Joe. We traveled together, attended meetings, and he really took the time to teach,” Vaughn said.

One moment that stuck with him: a road trip to a conference meeting, where Joe shared that “the real work happens before the meeting—in conversations over coffee, dinner, and through building relationships.” That lesson—people over process—continues to shape Vaughn’s leadership style today. He vividly recalls being part of the Professional Development Series (PDS) at the GNAC, where he saw the intentionality behind every detail. “Joe created energy around the conference—he brought in speakers, vendors, and made it a community. I learned that creating value is about creating moments,” Vaughn said.

After the internship, Vaughn continued to build on those lessons. He earned a master’s from Northeastern, a doctorate in education, and transitioned from GNAC intern to Assistant Athletic Director at Emerson College—one of the very schools he had engaged with during his time at the conference. “The transition felt seamless,” he said, crediting the exposure, relationships, and
experiences gained during his internship. Throughout his career, mentorship and networking remained central. “I was very intentional about finding mentors. I leaned on coaches and stayed in touch with the people I met through the GNAC,” Vaughn shared. “Those connections helped shape my professional journey.” To anyone stepping into the GNAC internship today, Vaughn’s advice is clear: “Be open. Joe is going to put you in a position to try things you haven’t done, meet people you wouldn’t normally meet, and travel to places you haven’t been. Embrace it all.” He emphasizes that GNAC interns aren’t treated like interns. “You’re in it with him—you’re part of the heartbeat of the conference.” If he could speak to his intern self, he’d keep it simple but powerful: “Connect with more people, faster. Talk to them, ask about them, build relationships. You might find mentors—or even friends for life.”