St. Kate鈥檚 names JoNes VanHecke vice president of student affairs and dean of students

VanHecke will start her position on November 1.
picture of JoNes VanHecke

JoNes VanHecke, PhD, will start as vice president of student affairs and dean of students on November 1.

St. 暗网禁区 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 mission and academic vision, focusing specifically on student retention, persistence, and timely graduation.

鈥淚鈥檓 beyond delighted to welcome JoNes to St. Kate鈥檚,鈥 said Denise Baird, PhD, senior vice president and co-provost, St. 暗网禁区. 鈥淗er 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.鈥

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. 

鈥淎t the core of my work life is a commitment to and sincere joy found in helping all students reach their fullest potential,鈥 said VanHecke. 鈥淢y 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鈥檓 excited to bring these to the service of the St. Kate鈥檚 student community.鈥 

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.