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Division of Student Affairs

Division Committees / Councils

The Division of Student Affairs supports the idea of shared governance in its philosophy and support of various leadership teams throughout the University and the Division. There are several Division-wide leadership teams that meet regularly, including the following:

Division Committees or Councils list

  • Executive Team

The Student Affairs Executive Team is charged with policy- and decision-making at the Division level, which includes, but is not limited to, matters related to fiscal planning, programming, services, events, resources, marketing and communication, and technology. Members of the Team report to the Vice President for Student Affairs and are charged with providing regular updates to their respective areas on issues discussed during Executive Team meetings.

  • Student Affairs Council

The Student Affairs Council includes directors from all areas within the Division of Student Affairs. Historically, the Council meets on a monthly basis where updates and information about all areas within the Division as well as university are shared with staff. The Council discusses and evaluates policies and procedures as well as activities, programs, and services which impact our students and staff as well as the Student Affairs. If you have a concern, issue, or newsworthy item that should be brought to the attention of the Council, please contact the appropriate representative from your area.

Council Membership

  • Business Manager Council

The Business Manager Council allows an opportunity for the Business Managers in each area of the Division to meet quarterly to discuss and collaborate on financial issues/opportunities across the campus, community, and Division as it relates to Student Affairs.

Council Membership

  • Wendy Polifka, Chair, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Rhonda Jenkins, Campus Recreation
  • Beth Bradford, Student Access and Accommodation Services
  • Paula Buck, Student Affairs Information Technology
  • Jackie Fry, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Rosie Dada, Career Services
  • Cris Faulkner, Student Health Services
  • Laura Fox, University Police
  • Brett Swigart, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
  • Megan Mckinnon, University Housing Services
  • Beth Porter, Center for Civic Engagement
  • Seth Reed, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Vacant, Student Counseling Services
  • Michelle Starkey, Health Promotion and Wellness
  • Jessica Sutter, Dean of Students Office
  • Inclusion Change Team

The Inclusion Change Team was created in the fall of 2014 to infuse inclusion efforts throughout each department in the Division. Each of the Division’s 13 departments has at least one Inclusion Practitioner that receives ongoing, in-depth training on evaluation, implementation, and facilitation of diversity efforts. This innovative approach allows for each department to make significant and sustainable change in their environment, practices, and programs to create a more inclusive home for our students and staff.

Team Members

  • Angell Howard, Chair, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Beth Porter, Center for Civic Engagement
  • Bill Hamann, Student Affairs Information Technology
  • Clarissa Brookins, University Housing Services
  • Danielle Beasley, Student Counseling Services
  • Jack Blahnik, Campus Recreation
  • Jamie Laurson, Health Promotion and Wellness
  • Joe Hendrix, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
  • Kinsey Hutchinson, Campus Recreation
  • Liz Thomason, University Housing Services
  • Lucas Warren, Career Services
  • Megan Ruffin, Career Services
  • Mike Gardner, University Police
  • Monica Overton, Ph.D, Multicultural Center
  • Paige Gillow, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Samantha Schultz, Event Management, Dining and Hospitality
  • Samantha Vazquez, Dean of Students
  • Tracy Willet, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Council for Development

Mission

We in Student Affairs are committed to fostering relationships that advance the mission of the division.

Goals

  • Provide a systematic, integrated and coordinated approach to friend and fund raising efforts across the division.
  • Enhance the image and identity of the Division of Student Affairs and Illinois State University.
  • Cultivate school loyalty and spirit among current students.
  • Provide opportunities for friends of the Division of Student Affairs to stay connected from admission to graduation and beyond.

Membership

The council includes a staff member from each department within the Division of Student Affairs. A member of the Alumni Relations, Development, and Annual Giving staff are also invited to serve as members of the council.

Council Members

  • Elizabeth Klatt, Chair, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Natalie Alexander, Career Services
  • Jim Almeda, Health Promotion and Wellness
  • Rachel Beckman, Donor and Information Services/University Advancement
  • Beth Bradford, Student Access and Accommodation Services
  • Hilary Campos, University Housing Services
  • Stephanie Duquenne, Alumni Engagement
  • Jared Evans, Student Affair Information Technology
  • Laura Fox, University Police Department
  • Eric Hodges, Emergency Management
  • Maren Keller, Dean of Students Office
  • Jillian Nelson, Annual Giving/University Advancement
  • Kelsey Orrill, Campus Recreation
  • Christa Platt, Ph.D., Multicultural Center
  • Kacy Rader, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality Services
  • Shannon Rader, Student Health Services
  • Katy Strzepek, Ph.D., Center for Civic Engagement
  • Jennifer Tuley, University Advancement
  • Student Affairs Marketing Council

The Student Affairs Marketing Council includes marketing and communications staff within the Division of Student Affairs. Through our work together, we promote and advance the Division of Student Affairs and University brand. The goals of the Council are as follows:

  • Share and explore ideas to promote the Division's activities, events, and services
  • Collaborate on projects and identify areas in which our efforts may overlap
  • Increase awareness of the Division's brand and our various programs and services
  • Engage in ongoing professional development on topics related to marketing and communication

Membership

  • Jordan Cox, Chair, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Hillary Campos, University Housing Services
  • Teresa Chapman, Emergency Management
  • Laura Fox, University Police Department
  • Bill Hamann, Student Affairs Information Technology
  • Kelsey Januzik, Campus Recreation
  • Ahmed Sabbir, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Samantha Schultz, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
  • Becca Stambaugh, University Police Department
  • Henrique Villela, Center for Civic Engagement
  • Susan Whitsitt, Career Services

Meetings are held on a monthly basis. For more information about the Council, contact Jordan Cox, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications.

  • Professional Development Committee

The Division of Student Affairs strives to provide a variety of professional development activities and opportunities to its staff. The Professional Development Committee includes a diverse group of Student Affairs staff members that work to provide programs of interest each semester. If you have an interest in becoming a part of this committee or would like to recommend a program idea, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Members

  • Angell Howard, Chair, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Danielle Beasley, Student Counseling Services
  • Justin Brown, Dean of Students
  • Liz Thomason, University Housing Services
  • Mackenzie Smith, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Markie Warfield, Student Health Services
  • Paige Gillow, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Rachel Janicki, Career Services
  • Sabrina Wallrich, Campus Recreation
  • Tonya Mintz, Student Affairs Information Technology
  • Student Leader Council

The Student Leader Council provides the Vice President for Student Affairs with a student-based perspective on issues related to the student experience at Illinois State University. The committee includes student leaders who:

  • Act as a sounding board for the Vice President for Student Affairs as well as the Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students
  • Provide advisement/input on student issues
  • Meet with a variety of university administrators to learn about institutional practices, functions, and operations
  • Learn about Division of Student Affairs initiatives

2023-2024 Membership

  • Asian Pacific American Coalition
  • Association of Latin American Students
  • Association of Residence Halls
  • Black Student Union
  • Board of Trustees
  • College Panhellenic Council
  • Graduate Student Association
  • Interfraternity Council
  • ISU Pride
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council
  • Redbird Battalion (ROTC)
  • Student Alumni Council
  • Student Athlete Advisory Councils
  • Student Government Association
  • Student Wellness Ambassador Team (S.W.A.T.)
  • United Greek Council
  • United International Association
  • The Vidette
  • WZND
  • TV-10
  • Assessment Team

The Division of Student Affairs Assessment Team was established to increase our commitment to assessment and data-informed decisions, as well as to encourage best practices in assessment Division-wide.

Team Members

  • Erin Thomas, Ph.D., Chair, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • David Adams, Student Counseling Services
  • Jim Almeda, Health Promotion and Wellness
  • {vacant}, Center for Civic Engagement
  • Rosie Dada, Career Services
  • Tashay Dennie, Dean of Students Office
  • Laura Fox, University Police Department
  • Maureen Leisner, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
  • Becky Ludolph, Student Health Services
  • Aditya Matta, Graduate Assistant
  • Samantha Schultz, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
  • Lauren Sheley, Campus Recreation
  • Dan Simon, Emergency Management
  • Justin Smith, Student Affairs Information Technology
  • Elizabeth Thomason, University Housing Services