Illinois College welcomes talented new dean of students
Jessica Edonick will join Illinois College as the new dean of students beginning Aug. 2.
I saw and felt immediately that IC is dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and a community of care, where students are challenged to be global leaders.
In her new role, Edonick will have responsibility for creating a supportive, transformational, welcoming, safe and inclusive community for all students.
“I am delighted to work with students, faculty and staff under President Farley and Provost O’Connell’s leadership to continue IC’s student-centered approach to engagement and learning,” Edonick said.
As dean of students, Edonick will work closely with individual students and student organizations, while advocating for students and providing strategic leadership. She will oversee several areas that serve and support students in their lives beyond the classroom, including residential life, career readiness and experiential learning, community engagement, global programs, health and wellness, psychological counseling, and campus safety.
“I saw and felt immediately that IC is dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and a community of care, where students are challenged to be global leaders,” Edonick said.
Edonick brings expertise cultivated over her 17-year career in higher education. Most recently, she has served as dean of students for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design since 2015. Previously, she held a variety of roles, including academic advisor and director of commuter and transfer student engagement at Drexel University.
“I believe that IC students will benefit immeasurably from her enthusiasm, passion and dedication,” Provost Catharine O’Connell said. “With the addition of Dean Edonick to our stellar team of student life professionals, IC is well positioned to continue facilitating the success of our students.”
Edonick is currently pursuing her doctorate in leadership and learning in organizations from Vanderbilt University. She earned a master’s degree in counselor education and counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. Her undergraduate degree is from Miami University in Ohio, with a major in history and minors in French and sociology of law.
Edonick’s work has appeared in several professional publications and she has given more than 20 presentations focused on her research interests in higher education, which include growing enrollment through orientation programs and developing effective peer leadership programs.
President Barbara A. Farley praised the appointment, calling the dean of students position “an essential one for the wellbeing of our students.”
“I am delighted that Jessica Edonick is joining the IC community,” she added. “I am impressed with her vision, insight and thoughtful reflections on the challenges facing today’s college students.”
Farley also commended the search committee — composed of members of the faculty, administrative staff and students — for bringing the important search to a successful conclusion.