Dr. Donna M. Eddleman
to lead Student Affairs, beginning July 15
CONWAY, Arkansas (May 08, 2024) —
Hendrix College has named Dr. Donna M. Eddleman as its new Assistant Vice
President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. She was selected following
a national search led by Academic Search, Inc., and a campus committee
including faculty, staff, alumni, and students and will begin her new role on
July 15.
A Pleasant Valley, New York native,
Eddleman joins the Hendrix community from the University of Redlands, a private
residential liberal arts college in California, where she serves as Vice
President for Student Affairs. She brings more than three decades of student affairs
experience at liberal arts institutions, including leadership of academic and
student success, career services, community programs, conduct, counseling,
diversity and inclusion, new student orientation, residence life, service
learning, student health, and wellbeing.
Throughout her career, Eddleman has
demonstrated a commitment to student engagement and persistence and has
prioritized building relationships among the student body to guide her efforts
as a student advocate.
“A proven leader with successful
experience across student affairs, Dr. Eddleman understands student programs
and services are essential to the residential liberal arts experience,” said
Hendrix College President Karen Petersen. “We are incredibly fortunate to have her
in this critical role as we work to enhance student engagement, leadership,
persistence, and success.”
At Hendrix, Eddleman will lead a broad
range of student support services, including residential life and housing,
student activities, student services, and counseling services.
“I am so excited that Dr. Eddleman will
be joining our team at Hendrix,” said Executive Vice President for Academic
Affairs and Provost of the College Dr. Teresa Garrett, who begins her role on
July 1. “Her depth of experience in student affairs will help us to achieve our
goals for the student experience in and out of the classroom.”
Among her responsibilities will be overseeing
student success efforts to improve retention, persistence, graduation, and
career outcomes; driving initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and
inclusion across all Student Affairs offices; and fostering strong
collaborations with partners in Academic Affairs, Athletics, and across campus.
“I look forward to engaging with
students, working collaboratively with campus colleagues to support the student
experience, and celebrating student persistence and success throughout their
educational journey,” said Eddleman.
Eddleman,
a first-generation college student, earned her bachelor
of arts degree in psychology from State University of New York at Albany before
working in residence and student life. She later earned a master’s degree in
student services personnel administration from Utah State University, and her
doctorate in educational policy, planning, and leadership from the College of
William and Mary. Her career includes roles of
progressive leadership responsibility at Manhattanville College, New York
University-Abu Dhabi, West Texas A&M University, Southern Utah University,
and Christopher Newport University.
About
Hendrix College
Founded
in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools
That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the
country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning
opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The
Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“…
Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to
diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community
inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and
joy.”
—Hendrix College Statement of Purpose