JoNes VanHecke, PhD, will start as vice president of student affairs and dean of students on November 1.
St. Catherine University is pleased to announce that, after a comprehensive nationwide search, it has selected JoNes VanHecke, PhD, to join the University as vice president of student affairs and dean of students.
Dr. VanHecke has served as the chief student affairs officer at two different institutions since 2006, first as vice president for Student Development and Dean of Student Life at Central College in Pella, Iowa. She has served for the last 12 years as vice president for Student Life and Dean of Students at Gustavus Adolphus College. She will start her new role with St. Kate’s on November 1.
As the vice president of Student Affairs at St. Kate's, VanHecke will oversee programs for all students across degree programs and levels. She will also direct the integration of student experiences within the University’s mission and academic vision, focusing specifically on student retention, persistence, and timely graduation.
“I’m beyond delighted to welcome JoNes to St. Kate’s,” said Denise Baird, PhD, senior vice president and co-provost, St. Catherine University. “Her decades of experience in senior student affairs leadership, combined with the passion she demonstrates for relationships and community building, will serve our students, faculty, staff and parents very well.”
In her previous roles VanHecke has launched comprehensive, campus-wide programs that foster community and engage students in campus life. She also brings with her a strong background in assessment and evaluation, both programmatically and with student learning outcomes.
“At the core of my work life is a commitment to and sincere joy found in helping all students reach their fullest potential,” said VanHecke. “My passion for liberal arts college student education and my commitment to creating experiences and environments that steward students through their cognitive, social and identity development are keystones to my work. I’m excited to bring these to the service of the St. Kate’s student community.”
VanHecke earned her Bachelor of Arts at Gustavus Adolphus College, and her Master of Science at Indiana University. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Michigan Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education.