Juniata Names Illinois Wesleyan Administrator as VP, Student Life
(Posted March 15, 2016)
HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Matthew Damschroder, assistant dean of students for campus life at Illinois Wesleyan University since 2010, has been named vice president for student life and dean of students at Juniata College, effective June 1.
Damschroder, who has worked at Illinois Wesleyan, in Bloomington, Ill., for most of his career, will oversee the college's residential life program, athletics, student services, student activities, health and wellness, campus ministry, first-year programs and community service.
"We are very pleased to have attracted someone of Matthew's caliber to help us achieve a stronger and more deliberate connection between student life and the academic enterprise at Juniata," says Juniata President James A. Troha. "Our strategic plan is quite clear about plans to enrich an already strong campus community, and in Matthew we have a proven leader to help us accomplish that key work."
"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, who also taught courses on educational administration at Illinois State University. "The energy and passion with which students approach their involvement and engagement made joining the Juniata community incredibly appealing."
At Illinois Wesleyan, Damschroder managed a staff of eight, as well as more than 250 student workers. His portfolio at the university 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.
"The energy and passion with which students approach their involvement and engagement made joining the Juniata community incredibly appealing."
Matthew Damschroder
Damschroder emerged as an administrator through his expertise in residential life issues. He started his career at Wittenberg University in 1996 as a residence hall director. In 1998, he moved to Illinois Wesleyan as a residence hall director.
He was promoted assistant director of residential life in 1999 and was named as director of residential life in 2000. He was promoted assistant dean of students for campus life in 2010.
"Matthew's vision for the student experience and his vast experience in residential life set him apart, as did his genuine interest in Juniata students and what will allow them to thrive," says Lauren Bowen, provost at Juniata and chair of the college's search committee. "He also 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."
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 applied computer science and information systems 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.
Damschroder is a member of the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators and ACPA -- College Students Educators International. He also is a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, the Association of College and University Housing Officers and the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers.
Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.