Familiar names are taking on new roles in the Division of Student Affairs.
Pamela Cooper
Pamela Cooper has been appointed director of the Career Center. Cooper has served as interim director of the Career Center since January 2015 and has been a member of the Career Center staff for 16 years. She has served in the roles of career advisor, assistant director for professional practice, and associate director for employer relations. Cooper’s career with Illinois State University began in the High Potential Students/Special Services Program and included additional roles at the University. She is a graduate of Illinois State University with both a bachelor’s degree in sociology and master’s degree in education.
Erin Thomas
Erin Thomas has been appointed director for assessment and engagement initiatives. Thomas came to Illinois State in 2000 and has served as the acting director for assessment and engagement initiatives for the Division for a year and a half. Prior to that, she served as the coordinator for Leadership and Service in the Dean of Students Office. In her current role, Thomas has worked to shift the development focus from major gifts to annual giving and has created a foundation for Division-level assessment. Shortly after starting in this role, Thomas completed her Ph.D. in higher education administration. Her dissertation looked at building a culture of assessment in student affairs. Thomas also holds a master’s degree in college student personnel administration from Illinois State University and a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College.
John Davenport
John Davenport was named acting dean of students on January 4. Davenport has been a member of the Dean of Students Office for 10 years and has served as an assistant to the dean of students and, most recently, as associate dean of students. Davenport began his career at Illinois State University as an area coordinator in University Housing Services in 1999. He has also worked at Eastern Illinois University and the University of Missouri. Davenport has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, master’s degree in higher education administration from Eastern Illinois University, and Ph.D. in higher education from Illinois State University. Davenport is an ardent student advocate and advises the Student Government Association and My Brotha’s Keeper in addition to his administrative duties.
Art Munin
With the retirement of Dwayne Sackman, assistant vice president for student affairs, at the end of December, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Art Munin has assumed additional duties. Munin will now supervise the Dean of Students Office, Disability Concerns, Health Promotion and Wellness, and Student Counseling Services.
