CAMPUS NEWS
Matthew Damschroder, assistant dean of students for campus life at Illinois Wesleyan University since 2010, just started his new job in June as vice president for student life and dean of students at Juniata. Damschroder, who has worked at Illinois Wesleyan, in Bloomington, Ill., for most of his career, will oversee the college’s residential life program, public safety, athletics, student services, student activities, health and wellness, campus ministry, first-year programs and community service. “Juniata’s commitment to bridging classroom experiences to out-of-class learning through the lens of the college’s strategic plan is an incredibly exciting opportunity to contribute leadership that impacts students’ education and development throughout their time on campus,” says Damschroder. At Illinois Wesleyan, Damschroder’s portfolio included residential life, student activities, leadership programs, student center operations, fraternity and sorority life, orientation and summer conferences. During his tenure, he led a campus-wide effort to improve the climate, visibility and support for LGBTQ+ students, advised the National Society of Leadership and Success, which received the organization’s 2012 Chapter of the Year Award, and co-hosted a 10-episode radio program and podcast for parents of first-year students.
Damschroder started his career at Wittenberg University and moved to Illinois Wesleyan in 1998 as a residence hall director. He became assistant director of residential life in 1999 and was named director of residential life in 2000. He was promoted to assistant dean of students for campus life in 2010. “Matthew demonstrated a breadth of perspective and an institutional vision that was sophisticated and strategic—he will both listen and respect our culture while knowing when
Matthew Damschroder
“Matthew demonstrated a breadth of perspective and an institutional vision that was sophisticated and strategic—he will both listen and respect our culture while knowing when and how to effect change.” —Lauren Bowen, provost
and how to effect change,” says Lauren Bowen, provost at Juniata. Damschroder earned a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy in 1996 from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He went on to earn a master’s degree in 2007 from Illinois State University, in Normal, Ill. He earned a doctoral degree in educational administration and foundations in 2015, also from Illinois State. 2016 Spring-Summer |
PHOTOS (LEFT): J.D. CAVRICH; (RIGHT) COURTESY ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Illinois Wesleyan Administrator Named as V. P. Student Life, Dean of Students
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