A Few New Faces at Gustavus

Dr. JoNes VanHeck, a Gustavus Alumni, looks forward to the coming year as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.

Dr. JoNes VanHecke started as the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Gustavus on June 15, 2011. VanHecke received her bachelor’s degree from Gustavus, where she majored in Biology and Communication studies. VanHecke’s most recent position before coming to Gustavus was the Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Student Life at Central College, a liberal arts institution of higher education located in Pella, Iowa. After four years at Central College, VanHecke is excited to be at Gustavus. “What attracted me the most about Gustavus is its community. This college understands the importance of student learning, and incorporating students in the central conversation,” VanHecke said. Being a former Gustavus student herself, VanHecke recognizes the importance of being involved; she was a Collegiate Fellow, Gustie Greeter, and the Campus Activities Board president during her time as a student. VanHecke’s plans for this year are to get organized and focus on developing meaningful relationships with students. “Getting to know the students both individually and collectively is a priority for me,” VanHecke said. With her family life stationed in Mankato, Minn., accepting the position at Gustavus was like coming home for VanHecke.

Conductor of Christ Chapel and Lucia Singers Brandon Dean is a new addition to the music staff.

 

 

Brandon L. Dean conducts the Choir of Christ Chapel and Lucia Singers, and teaches courses in music theory, music education, music appreciation and music history.  Prior to his appointment at Gustavus Adolphus College, Dean completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. At CCM, he served as the conductor of the UC Women’s Chorus from 2008-2011.

 

 

Conductor of the Vasa Wind Orchestra Karrin Meffert-Nelson is both a musician and a teacher.

 

 

Karrin Meffert-Nelson is an Assistant Professor in Music and the conductor of the Vasa Wind Orchestra at Gustavus. She holds a B.M. in clarinet performance and music education from St. Olaf College, a M.M. from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. and a DMA in clarinet performance from the University of Minnesota.

 

 

New Assistant Dean of Students Peter Meagher works at the Dean of Students office at Gustavus.

 

 

Peter Meagher is the new Assistant Dean of Students at Gustavus.  Peter Meagher holds a B.A. in biology and chemistry from Lawrence University, a M.S. in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University. Prior to assuming his responsibilities at Reed College, Meagher worked for three years (2006-2009) as a research assistant in the Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs at Bowling Green State University.

 

Provost and Dean of the College Dr. Mark Braun is excited to come back to Gustavus for the sesquicentennial.

Dr. Mark Braun is the new Provost and Dean of the college. Braun has been Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. since 2007. Prior to that, he served Gustavus for 17 years, first as professor and chair of the Department of Communication Studies. He taught courses in media and society, media process and criticism, broadcasting, organizational communication, communication theory and persuasion. He served as Associate Dean at Gustavus from 1999 to 2007. Braun holds a doctorate in Speech-Communication from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Speech-Communication from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He was a participant in the 2003-2004 Thrivent Lutheran College and University Leadership Program, a yearlong intensive leadership development program. He was recently invited by the Council of Independent Colleges to co-lead its mentoring program for new chief academic officers.

 

 

 

New Director of Residential Life Charlie Potts hopes to improve student life at Gustavus this coming year.

The new Director of Residential Life at Gustavus, Charlie Potts, accepted his position June 24, 2011. A former Gustavus student, Potts grew up in St. Peter and graduated from Gustavus  in 2001. Potts most recent position was the Associate Director of Residential Life at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. Although he enjoyed being at St. Olaf, he is happy to be back at a place he once called home. “I love Gustavus because it’s a place I respect and believe in. I want to work hard to keep people proud and happy to live on campus,” Potts said. Prior to his most recent position at St. Olaf, Potts served for one year (2006-20007) as the Associate Director of Campus Life at the University of St. Thomas, and two years (2004-2006) as Area Coordinator at St. Olaf. In the long run at Gustavus, Potts wants to focus on student life. “I want to focus on a student friendly and student centered process,” Potts said.  Potts has served on the Gustavus Alumni Board of Directors since Sept. 2009 and has also previously served as a youth coach at the Gustie Basketball & Leadership Camp.

 

New Internship Director Vincent Thomas helps students with their after college plans.

 

Vincent A. Thomas is the new Internship Director in Center for Servant-Leadership. Thomas was born and raised in Detroit, Mich., and graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1983 with a B.A. in English. He went to law school immediately after college and earned a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1986. Thomas served Hamline in this role for 11 years, and then served the University of St. Thomas School of Law for four years as Assistant Dean for Student and Multicultural Affairs and Adjunct Law Professor.

 

 

Assistant Director of Multicultural Programs Her Vang is eager to create new programs.

 

Her Vang is the new Assistant Director of Multicultural Programs at Gustavus. Most recently, Vang was a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Minnesota, where his work explored the evolution of Hmong transnational politics in Thailand and the United States after the Vietnam War. Now working in the Diversity Center, Vang is focused on learning all of the programs and activites that exist within the Diversity Center. “I am looking forward to promoting leadership and service at Gustavus,” Vang said. Vang is teaching a January Interim Experience course this year, and hopes to teach more courses in the future.

 

 

Assistant Professor in Nursing Lynnea Myers is joining the staff after finishing her nursing training.

 

Lynnea Myers is a new assistant professor in nursing at Gustavus. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing from Gustavus Adolphus College and her Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University. She is a  licensed registered nurse and holds certification as a public health nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner.

4 thoughts on “A Few New Faces at Gustavus

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