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NIU names Kelly Wesener Michael as acting VP of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

June 11, 2012
Kelly Wesener Michael

Kelly Wesener Michael

Northern Illinois University has announced the appointment of Kelly Wesener Michael as acting vice president of the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, effective July 1.

Wesener Michael will oversee the division during the national search for a permanent replacement for Brian O. Hemphill, who has accepted the position of president of West Virginia State University.

Currently serving as NIU’s assistant vice president for Student Services, Wesener Michael began her tenure at NIU in 2006 in the housing and dining area and was appointed to her current position in 2008.

She holds a B.A. in communications from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a M.S. in college student personnel from Western Illinois University and a Ed.D. in higher education administration from Indiana University.

“The position of vice president of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at NIU is absolutely integral to the successful implementation of Vision 2020’s goals and objectives, chief among them the dual goals of growing enrollment and becoming the most student-centered public research university in the Midwest,” NIU President John Peters said.

Due to this essential role of the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management in achievement of Vision 2020, Peters has announced an organizational change that puts the division in a direct reporting line to the president, along with the divisions of:

  • Academic Affairs;
  • Finance & Facilities;
  • University Relations;
  • Outreach;
  • Engagement & Information Technology;
  • Intercollegiate Athletics; and
  • University Advancement.

Continued close cooperation between the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs will continue to advance many of the student success/engagement efforts launched in both the Great Journeys and Vision 2020 initiatives.

The university will begin a national search for Hemphill’s replacement in September.

Peters has announced that Lisa C. Freeman, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies, will chair the search committee. Additional appointments will be made over the summer. The search committee will be charged with recommending qualified candidates in spring 2013 to allow a permanent replacement to be in place July 1, 2013.

Peters also announced the departure of Brandi Hephner LaBanc, associate vice president of Student Affairs. She has accepted the position of vice chancellor of Student Affairs at University of Mississippi, effective July 1.

NIU’s Student Affairs program is nationally recognized throughout higher education. Many staff leaders within the Division of Student Affairs are considered experts in their fields and go on to make great contributions to public higher education nationally.