UIS announces new vice chancellor for student affairs

The University of Illinois at Springfield has announced the appointment of Timothy L. Barnett as the new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. His appointment is effective July 1.

Dr. Barnett is currently Vice Chancellor for Student and Enrollment Services at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where he has worked since 2003. In that position, he implemented a recruiting and retention program that resulted in a 17% increase in freshmen applications and a 5% increase in student retention in the past two years. He established a university-wide enrollment management plan, and planned and implemented a division-wide Staff Development Program.

“Dr. Barnett believes that UIS has a strong understanding of what a small university can provide to its students,” said UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen. “He brings to this university an impressive breadth of experience in student affairs and enrollment management that will serve our student affairs division and entire university well.”

From 2003-05, Dr. Barnett served as Dean of Students at UAF, during which time he developed a Student Leadership Program resulting in a 100% increase in student participation in clubs and organizations. He also implemented an early warning system to identify and provide assistance to students experiencing difficulty adjusting to college academics, doubled education programs on alcohol and drug abuse, and developed educational sessions on sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.

Other positions in which Dr. Barnett has served are Vice President for Student Affairs at Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota, from 1999-2003; Director of Danna Center and Student Activities at Loyola University, New Orleans, from 1992-1999; and Associate Dean of Students at Biola University, LaMirada, California, from 1987-1991.

He earned a Ph.D. in Education and Business with a focus on Strategic Planning from Claremont Graduate University; M.A. in Student Development from Azusa Pacific University; and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Nebraska.

UIS’ Division of Student Affairs is comprised of the Career Development Center, Center for First Year Students, Counseling Center, Cox Children Center, Disability Services, Diversity Center, Enrollment Management, Financial Assistance, Food Service, Health Services, Housing & Residential Life, International Student Services, LGBTQ Resource Office, Recreational Sports, Student Life, Center for Student Volunteers & Civic Engagement, The Journal newspaper, and the Women’s Center.