Dr. Eric Weldy, M.S. ’89, is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Service to the Student Affairs Profession Award. This award is given by the Division of Student Affairs to an Illinois State University graduate in the field of student affairs or higher education who exhibits high-impact practices such as mentoring students and professional colleagues, demonstrating an appreciation for lifelong learning and professional development; applying knowledge, experience, and resources to create educational environments beneficial to students’ development; collaborating with colleagues; and contributing to the student affairs profession through regional, state, or national professional associations.
Over the course of his 25-year career in student affairs, Weldy has exemplified these practices. Weldy received his B.A. from Eureka College, his M.S. from Illinois State University, and his Ed. D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In his current role, Weldy serves as vice chancellor for Student Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis where he leads the nine-unit division.
A nominator shared the following about Weldy’s influence: “He has shown many times over his exceptional leadership practice and positive influence—I have seen many encouraging changes and strengthened relationships with the division across campus.” Weldy is also described as positive, solution-focused, humble, and an advocate for students in marginalized communities.
During his time at Northern Illinois University, he reorganized enrollment management, improved overall business operations and addressed the decade-long trend of enrollment decline at the university. With his oversight, student retention was successfully increased alongside staff training.
Weldy has also held the roles of associate vice president for Student Affairs at Florida State University, associate vice chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life at University of Minnesota Duluth, and assistant dean of students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Weldy received the Outstanding Service to the Student Affairs Profession Award at the Illinois State Alumni and Friends Reception that took place during the 2023 NASPA Annual Conference. Nominations for the 2024 award are being accepted now.
