When the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus took the reins as 91����Ƶ’s interim president last July, she worried that she would lose the authentic relationships she developed with students over the years as the former head of student affairs. While it’s true there’s now a greater distance, both figuratively and literally, between Dycus on the third floor of Campus Center and the hundreds of 91����Ƶ students who cross the Front Lawn below her, it hasn’t been as far as she feared.

Over the past several months, Dycus said, she’s found ways to engage with students and show up for them. And so when a pair of student clubs asked her last month to participate as a panelist in a Valentine’s Day-related “How to Flirt” session, it was another reminder her approach was working.

“My initial reaction was, ‘Is this something a president should do?’ And then I realized that they wanted someone who could speak honestly and authentically, so it was actually an honor they included me,” said Dycus. “It was a wonderful opportunity for me to be with students again and to talk about things that matter a lot to them.”

Dycus isn’t the typical university president. The first Black woman to lead 91����Ƶ in the role, even in an interim capacity, she’s brought courage and boldness to the presidential suite. That confidence comes from a deep devotion for the university and its mission, shaped by years of serving its students. She said she’s learned to love engaging with donors and stakeholders, sharing stories of the school’s successes and expressing what excites her, well beyond the corners of campus.

“I’ve actually found that to be one of the things I enjoy most about this role,” she said. “My passion for 91����Ƶ gets concentrated in conversations I get to have.”

As the calendar flips from Black History Month to Women’s History Month and she approaches the ninth month of her two-year appointment, the ordained minister and educator reflected on her leadership, the mentors who have molded her, and her goals moving forward.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP PHOTO: Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus leads a line dance at the Turner Pavilion in Downtown Harrisonburg during the fourth annual Royals Go Downtown in September 2025. | She greets students outside 91����Ƶ alumna-owned Magpie Diner at the start of the cross-town culinary crawl. | Dycus chats with Jonathan Swartz, dean of students, at the Harrisonburg Holiday Parade in December 2025.

From conversations with faculty, staff, and students at a series of listening sessions held by the marketing and communications team in mid-February, it’s clear that people on campus feel a spirit of change in the air. A renewed energy courses through the veins of the university, and much of it stems from the new face in the president’s office. Dycus, ever the humble servant leader, brushes off the credit and heaps it on the leaders around her.

“Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) is an adaptive and cohesive team,” said Dycus. “We identified our gaps in areas like branding or fiscal data and have launched shared responses, which is critical. Our team of four deans, with unique portfolios for teaching and learning, is also incredible. It’s a collaborative effort focused on what’s truly a priority for us as an institution.”

That priority has been righting the ship through the headwinds and choppy waters of higher education. Dycus and the leadership team have worked to stabilize the university and guide it toward long-term sustainability, ensuring it can thrive for generations to come.

“One of my goals this year, and as we keep moving forward, is to truly empower faculty and staff on campus to lead within the scope of their work and feel energized and excited about 91����Ƶ’s identity and progress,” she said. “I want them to know they have permission to advocate, both on campus and beyond, for the good things they see.”

Lately, there’s been plenty of positive news to go around. The momentum from last year has carried into this one, said Braydon Hoover ’11, MAOL ’21, vice president of enrollment and marketing. Undergraduate applications have jumped 92% compared to last year, and offers of admission have risen 126%.

When Dycus looks back at the many mentors in her life, she can’t overlook her roots in the traditional Black church where she was raised. The granddaughter of a pastor in the Disciples of Christ denomination, she recalled the many Black women in her congregation who offered wisdom, corrected her, and challenged her in ways that were important for her formation.

“I felt loved and cared for by each of them,” she said. “They invested in me and poured into me, with their wisdom, time, and energy, in ways I still feel grateful for. How do I continue that investment with the next generation of young people? There’s a real responsibility and commitment in what they gave me.”

One of the people who impacted her most was her high school guidance counselor. As a sophomore starting at her third high school, Dycus struggled to make new friends and figure out her identity. Her counselor, Marilyn Corbitt, was pivotal in helping her find a place where she belonged and in affirming the gifts she saw in herself.

“I left high school and started college hoping I could be a Marilyn Corbitt for someone else,” said Dycus. She earned a degree in education and planned to become a guidance counselor herself.

Corbitt died in September 2019 at age 80. She was one of the only Black counselors at Dycus’ high school of more than 3,000 students and served as advisor to its Black Student Association.

“She did a wonderful job of teaching us many of the things we weren’t learning in the classroom and challenging us to live them out in real ways, from leading service projects in the community to expressing culture in ways that brought joy,” Dycus said. “She encouraged us to use our voices, even when it was uncomfortable.”

“I still carry her spirit and the impact she had on me,” she continued. “I didn’t get a chance to go back and tell her ‘thank you,’ but I carry the hope that I can be Marilyn for whichever young version of Shannon needs it.”

Students at 91����Ƶ say Dycus has supported them and helped them grow through her mentorship.

“She always chats and checks up on me and emphasizes my mental health,” said senior Nia Boyd. “She’s like an auntie for me. I always enjoy sharing a laugh with her.”

As co-president of the Student Government Association last year, senior Genesis Figueroa worked closely with Dycus. “She was always there to help us out, especially when it was hard being a woman of color on the executive team,” said Figueroa. “I saw how she not only did her job, but also supported and encouraged students to speak up for themselves.”

For senior and first-generation college student Emily Suarez Nunez, Dycus has helped her recognize the value of quiet presence and support and become more confident speaking up for others.

“I appreciate that, even with her new role and responsibilities, she is still Shannon,” said Suarez Nunez. “Every time I see her, she’s the same kind, genuine, listening ear she’s always been. When I talk with her, the world slows down for a few minutes, and sharing that moment feels like a deep breath that refills and recharges me.”

A set of mosaic prints has adorned her 91����Ƶ offices. The prints feature portraits of people throughout history who have inspired her in different ways.

Among the portraits are bell hooks, the educator and activist who shaped Dycus’ understanding of what it means to be a teacher; theologian and spiritual leader Howard Thurman, the first Black dean of a predominantly white institution; and two icons of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

“I come to this role of president not as a traditional academic, but as a leader who seeks boldness and truth, like Martin and Malcolm did,” said Dycus. “I come as an educator who is deeply concerned with the growth of humans, as bell hooks was. And I come as someone who pays attention to the spirit in people and in our community, as Howard Thurman did. Whenever I feel fragmented or unconventional in how I arrived here, they remind me how all the pieces can come together in meaningful ways.”

Learn more about Dr. Dycus at��emu.edu/president.

Kirk Shisler ’81 wants to make one thing very clear: He’s not retiring. At least not anytime soon. After 21 years of faithfully serving his alma mater as its vice president for advancement, he’s simply switching gears. 

This summer, Shisler will transition from his lofty perch as VP to a new position specially carved out for him that utilizes his unique qualities and strengths in a way that benefits 91����Ƶ best. He said his new role as senior gift planning advisor will allow him to focus exclusively on securing major gifts to sustain 91����Ƶ’s mission.

“We recently crossed the halfway point of 91����Ƶ’s five-year, $40 million Forward Together campaign, and I am pleased to report that we have already raised $29 million, or 72% of the goal, which puts us ahead of schedule,” Shisler said. “I look forward to increasing our fundraising momentum even more as I assume my new role.”

Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus will formally announce the news of Shisler’s transition via email on Thursday, Jan. 22. With the announcement, 91����Ƶ officially enters into a national search for its next vice president for advancement.

For several years now, Shisler said, he’s anticipated a transition like this one. By passing his administrative responsibilities on to a successor, he can directly focus his energies toward the aspects of advancement he enjoys most and where he will have the greatest impact. And, despite the various headwinds straining higher education, Shisler said he believes 91����Ƶ is poised to transcend those challenges.

“We have a strong leadership team in place under Interim President Dycus, and a tremendous faculty and staff,” Shisler said. “91����Ƶ’s value proposition includes a proven track record for the employability of its graduates, who also benefit from an education that blends rigorous academics with soft skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and other skills needed to succeed in today’s work environment.”

‘An enduring imprint’

91����Ƶ’s presidents, past and present, commended Shisler for his effective fundraising, steadfast leadership, and deep commitment to the university over the past two decades. 

Dycus, interim president of 91����Ƶ since July 1, credited Shisler with “shaping a culture of generosity rooted in mission” and strengthening alumni and donor relationships. “Kirk’s steady, values-driven leadership will leave an enduring imprint on this institution and the countless students whose lives have been changed through his work,” she said.

Dr. Loren Swartzendruber ’76, MDiv ’79, president of 91����Ƶ from 2003 to 2016, noted that he had recruited Shisler twice to 91����Ƶ: first as an admissions counselor when Shisler was a high school senior, and later as president when Shisler was hired to lead the advancement division. “No university president can be successful without a person of Kirk’s caliber in that office,” said Swartzendruber. “His continuing efforts to attract leadership gifts will pay dividends for years to come.”

And President Emerita Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who led the university from 2016 to 2025, expressed gratitude for the “enormous positive impact” Shisler had “year after year for 20 years without fail,” advancing 91����Ƶ’s mission, supporting its students, contributing to its financial health, and ensuring its donors felt special and important. 

“Without ‘Captain’ Kirk’s can-do spirit, relational genius, and organizational prowess, there is no first-ever 91����Ƶ comprehensive campaign for people, programs, and facilities,” said Huxman, referencing the Forward Together (2023-28) campaign. “There is no audacious $40 million five-year goal, half of which we raised in just the first two years. This bold and successful campaign has been the crowning achievement of his great legacy in executive administration at 91����Ƶ.”

Indeed, there have been many crowning achievements for Shisler over the years. Whether it’s the completion of 91����Ƶ’s state-of-the-art track and field complex—regarded among the finest athletic facilities in the conference—the transformation of laboratories and classrooms in the Suter Science Center through a $12 million campaign (2007-15), or renovations to the south section of University Commons, he’s always kept his eyes squarely on the prize: ensuring 91����Ƶ not only survives but also thrives long into the future.

Less visible, but just as impactful as those capital improvement projects, is the membership growth of 91����Ƶ’s throughout his tenure. The group of alumni and donors name 91����Ƶ in their estate plans, supporting the future financial stability and security of the school. “We have grown the society from roughly 150 members, when I arrived in 2005, to over 600 today,” Shisler said. “We often refer to these future gifts as 91����Ƶ’s Book of Futures. The approximate future value of these estate commitments currently exceeds $35 million.”

Clockwise from top: Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement, with Phil Helmuth and Graham Stauffer, during Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day 2023. | The longtime advancement VP speaks during a gathering celebration at Homecoming and Family Weekend 2021. | Shisler accepts a hard hat from Braydon Hoover ’11, MA ’21, then-associate vice president for advancement at 91����Ƶ, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the track in 2023.

Focus, patience, and tenacity

One key ingredient to Shisler’s success is the length of his tenure, which has allowed him to build close connections and enduring relationships with alumni and donors.

According to a from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, fundraising administrators have a median of five years of service in their position, slightly below the median for all higher ed administrative positions (5.5 years). Those figures are well below the 21-year span that Shisler has served at 91����Ƶ.

During those 21 years, he estimated, working with advancement teams and the three aforementioned presidents, he helped raise about $120 million for 91����Ƶ. Last year, thanks to a combination of generous donors and several large bequests, the university achieved its second-highest fundraising total on record.

“Those who have been involved in higher ed and nonprofit fundraising for as long as I have know that it takes significant focus, patience and tenacity to secure gifts of significance for our organizations,” Shisler said. 

Doug Mason, an advancement consultant who has advised 91����Ƶ’s team for 15 years as well as many other schools, said his most successful clients have leaders who “stick with it and really invest in the mission of their institution.”  

“Donors really appreciate continuity,” Mason said. “Having somebody like Kirk, who’s been there for over two decades, is quite unusual, and it’s been extraordinarily beneficial to 91����Ƶ.”

So why exactly has Shisler stayed for so long? He said the societal impact of 91����Ƶ’s alumni around the world continues to motivate him and sustain his commitment to the university’s mission. He added that, through the years, he’s been blessed to be part of “highly motivated and supportive teams of advancement professionals,” and that he’s continually inspired by the dedication and high-quality work of 91����Ƶ’s faculty and staff.

A seasoned fundraiser

Growing up in Telford, Pennsylvania, Shisler said his parents taught him at a young age the importance of giving generously and of tithing to the church. But it wasn’t until later, after entering the workforce, that he realized his skills in storytelling and communications could be used to fundraise for causes he cared about. The Dock Mennonite Academy alum graduated from 91����Ƶ with a bachelor of arts in English in 1981. He then began a quarter-century career at Laubach Literacy International, a nonprofit now known as ProLiteracy.

In 2004, Swartzendruber called Shisler to ask whether he would be interested in the VP position, succeeding Richard L. Gunden. After an interview that summer, Shisler accepted the offer (he started in the position in April 2005). “Loren said to me, ‘Well, Kirk, you will have served Laubach for 23 years. I’m really hoping that you’ll give the same amount of time, or more, to 91����Ƶ,’” Shisler recalled. “And here we are. With my transition to a different role, I may end up serving 23 years.”

As a result of his change, the avid fly fisherman said he’ll spend less time on the road and more time with his family—he and his wife, Mary Ann, have two sons, Ben and Andy. He’ll also spend less time in meetings as he devotes his focus entirely on working with major donors to design “charitable gifts of significance” for 91����Ƶ.

Back when he was first hired at the university, Shisler told the late Jim Bishop, former public information officer for 91����Ƶ, in a 2005 news article: “91����Ƶ is at a very exciting juncture in its history. I believe the school is truly a vehicle for healing and hope in our troubled world, and I look forward to joining the 91����Ƶ community as, together, we advance its mission.”

Twenty-one years later, those words still ring true.

91����Ƶ announced the selection of Dr. Dycus as interim president in April after a unanimous vote by the 91����Ƶ Board of Trustees in March. The decision followed a national search process that began after Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, 91����Ƶ’s ninth president and first woman president, announced her retirement in October 2024, effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Dycus, the first Black woman in 91����Ƶ history named to the position, will serve a minimum term of two years.

Since April, Drs. Dycus and Huxman have been meeting regularly to discuss the intricacies of the presidency, engage with key community stakeholders, and identify priorities for the year ahead in order to ensure a smooth transition between leaders.

“The example Susan set for the many female leaders on campus is astounding, and her leadership has empowered us all,” Dr. Dycus said. “I’ve learned so much from the way she has moved through her role, modeled leadership, and created new space to lead authentically.”

Dr. Dycus’ responsibilities include promoting the passions, positive outcomes, and successes of the university to both internal and external audiences. “One of the critical roles of a university president is to serve as its chief storyteller,” said Dr. Dycus. “To be able to advocate, celebrate, and cheerlead for 91����Ƶ will be an exciting and essential part of my work as interim president.”

As chief storyteller for 91����Ƶ since 2017, Dr. Huxman is confident in her successor. “Shannon is absolutely the right person to lead 91����Ƶ into its next chapter. She has the smarts, the stamina, and the faith connections and storytelling gifts.”

A call to lead

After earning a bachelor of arts in middle and secondary education from Butler University, Dr. Dycus served as a high school teacher in Indianapolis from 2006 to 2008. While she loved the classroom, she sensed a deeper calling that extended beyond teaching toward spiritual leadership. She decided to follow in her family’s footsteps and enroll at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS). In 2010, she became a third-generation graduate of CTS, where she earned a master of divinity and was ordained as a minister in the Disciples of Christ tradition.

Dr. Dycus spent time as a hospital chaplain before serving as an academic advisor (2011-2013) and adjunct faculty member (2012-2017) at Franklin University of Ohio’s Indianapolis campus.

From 2013 to 2019, Dr. Dycus served as co-pastor of First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis. It was at First Mennonite that former 91����Ƶ board member JB Miller ’70 first witnessed Dycus’ leadership strengths. Miller said she struck him as “wise beyond her years” during his time as a congregant. “She leads with confidence,” he said. “There’s a gentleness to it but also a firmness that people find refreshing. She can make tough decisions and is willing to own those tough decisions.”

During a sabbatical in 2017, Dr. Dycus attended a summer program in spiritual direction at Eastern Mennonite Seminary—her first introduction to 91����Ƶ and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. She recalls falling in love with the campus and imagining a future in Harrisonburg with her husband, Gregory, and their two sons, Malachi and Semaj.

She saw an opportunity to bring her vision to life two years later when 91����Ƶ posted for the position of dean of students. Dr. Dycus applied for and landed the job, which she began in July 2019. She served in that role until 2023 and as vice president of student affairs and dean of students from 2023 to 2024, before being promoted to vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging.

Dr. Dycus has “made it a priority to support 91����Ƶ students as they arrive on campus and to navigate barriers in their education” since 2019 when she created and led the C.A.R.E. Team, a proactive and coordinated response to supporting student needs and their well-being. Dr. Dycus helped 91����Ƶ to understand and expand its care and services throughout the pandemic.

In 2020 and 2024, she secured Department of Justice sexual violence prevention grants to fund 91����Ƶ’s Safer Together office. She has worked with 91����Ƶ Counseling Services to increase staffing and training for mental health support, and has been a staunch student advocate for peaceful responses to global injustices.

“I’ve seen so many students grow just by knowing her, observing her, and having the chance to connect with her,” said Jonathan Swartz MA ‘14 (conflict transformation), MDiv ‘14, dean of students at 91����Ƶ. Swartz echoed a favorite saying from his high school basketball coach when reflecting on her leadership approach. “Be quick, but not in a hurry.” He said, “Her steadiness and ability to think quickly and plan well, but not be in a hurry, showed up and shined through during COVID.”

That steady, people-centered leadership is something Dr. Dycus intentionally cultivates. “I’ve been trained to be present with people, to show up and listen, offer empathy, and apply what I’ve learned to shape my leadership,” said Dr. Dycus, who earned a doctor of ministry in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in 2024.

The track ahead

As Dr. Dycus takes the lead on the track ahead, her top priority remains 91����Ƶ students—specifically ensuring they have a safe, supportive environment and meaningful learning experiences. Her vision also includes maintaining a strong commitment to a values-based education while continuing to create new pathways of access and achievement for students, as outlined in the university’s 2023-2028 strategic plan. Another leadership focus will be inspiring confidence among faculty and staff while reimagining a more streamlined academic structure that supports long-term financial stability.

Dr. Dycus says that evolving 91����Ƶ will not be easy but that she is hopeful. “The role will be challenging. There will be hurdles. But hope comes from a power greater than those challenges and from people united in purpose,” she said. “We can overcome what lies ahead. What we’re building together is stronger than anything that stands in our way.”

To learn more about Dr. Dycus, visit: emu.edu/president

This article is an abridged version of the feature story that will appear in the summer 2025 issue of Crossroads.

“The last few years in Student Life have been instructive in how we think about creating authentic learning communities. I’ve had the opportunity to lead and learn in ways that enhance how we shape community at 91����Ƶ. I am honored to broaden my leadership as we continue to support meaningful student experiences in the classroom and across all of our learning spaces,” said Dycus.

In her new position, Dycus will be the primary champion for the 91����Ƶ student community and chief student affairs officer at 91����Ƶ. She is responsible for fostering a strengthened commitment to academic success, holistic well-being and student accountability, representing the needs of undergraduate, graduate and professional students to all constituencies including faculty and other administrators, parents, trustees and the community, says President Susan Schultz Huxman.

“Shannon is exceptionally well-equipped for this enhanced leadership role,” shared Huxman. “I look forward to working with her to truly ‘Lead Together’ to advance our noble mission of preparing students to serve and lead in a global context and to live into our inclusive vision of opening pathways of access and achievement for all students who aspire to be unifying leaders.”

Dycus will report to Huxman for consultation on and approval of divisional and strategic objectives and shaping a campus-wide culture of student engagement and success. As dean of students, Dycus will report to the provost for consultation on and approval of personnel, budget, policies, and operational matters.

Dycus’ new role and its dual reporting structure has been endorsed by Provost Fred Kniss, Provost-elect Tynisha Willingham (who begins July 3, 2023), and 91����Ƶ’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Dycus will join Willingham as co-champion of the Pathway of Achievement pillar of 91����Ƶ’s new strategic plan, Pathways of Promise 2023–2028, which gives enhanced attention to student retention and well-being.

Prior to her time at 91����Ƶ, Dycus held leadership roles in both classroom and congregational settings. She brings skills as a pastor and educator to the 91����Ƶ Student Life areas of Campus Life, Student Accountability, Faith and Spiritual Life, Health Services, Counseling Services, Safer Together, International Student Services, Multicultural Student Services, and Student Engagement.

Dycus holds a Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She earned her BA degree in middle and secondary education from Butler University.

Who wouldn’t want to hug a trophy, pose for a commemorative photo, and put a golden emu on proud display in their office? Not that staff at 91����Ƶ, with an already outstanding work ethic, need any extra incentive to do their best…

But you know. Golden glittery emu. Enough said. 

The first Royal Awards for Staff Performance, presented during fall semester 2020. The awardees are selected from nominations of staff or administrators who have shown exceptional performance, and/or gone above and beyond the regular focus of their work to improve 91����Ƶ.

The inaugural awardees for August/September were Shannon Dycus, dean of students, and Lauren Jefferson, director of communications.

Nominators offered these words of appreciation about these employees:

Shannon is innovative, imaginative, caring, and a force to reckon with. She has, among many other things, found ways to maintain safety and community, and encourage our students to commit to health and safety during a time of crisis and a national pandemic.

Lauren has been working intensely since the start of the pandemic, often putting in overtime, to make sure our messaging to the community about plans and changes is quick, accurate, informative, and helpful… AND she still helps keep up humor and morale in our department.

Awardees for November/December were Nancy Heisey, associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and Jon Swartz, director of residence life, student accountability, and restorative justice.

Nominators offered these words of appreciation:

Nancy ushered us through a promising accreditation visit by the Association of Theological Schools in mid-October. ATS’s initial feedback was positive, which is no small cause for celebration during this tenuous time in theological education. I cannot exaggerate the ways Nancy went above and beyond her administrative responsibilities to complete this accreditation process. She has completed a marathon and has done so with competence and contagious enthusiasm. 

Jon works tirelessly to improve the 91����Ƶ experience for our residential students. Despite his extensive workload, he always engages each person who approaches him with empathy and good humor.

Congratulations to the winners. And also to those on the Royal Award committee for their work in appreciation of staff: Stephen Farrar, Lori Gant, Sarah Gant, Ericka Gingerich, Bill Goldberg, Marcia Myers, Jon Styer.

91����Ƶ faculty are eligible for the annual Excellence in Teaching Award. Read about 2020 honorees here. 

As students and faculty wrapped up final exams last week, the 91����Ƶ community reflects on the achievement of a major milestone: completing a large portion of the fall semester on campus without a major outbreak in the middle of a pandemic. 

“I am so very proud of our resilient, faithful 91����Ƶ community,” said President Susan Schultz Huxman. “Our students, faculty and staff all worked courageously, imaginatively and generously this semester so that we could continue to fulfill our educational mission and learn together. This collective, community efforts says so much about who we are: We do indeed ‘Lead Together.’”

91����Ƶ held its traditional holiday celebrations early to both celebrate and share gratitude with students before they vacated campus Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday and winter break. Students finished one week of online classes and reading days before final exams. 

The semester’s culmination in an online format, along with other minor changes to the fall semester academic calendar, was part of plans announced in August in anticipation of the predicted late fall surge in COVID-19.

Sacrifices made for low numbers

91����Ƶ’s COVID numbers were low throughout the semester. For the weeks when students were present on campus, the university recorded 12 cases. From Aug. 1 to the date of publication, the university community had 20 total cases. [See data at 91����Ƶ’s .]

Exit COVID testing, offered to students before they left, was also an indicator of community health, successful monitoring and mitigation. Of the 94 tests conducted among students, faculty and staff, all were negative.

“Our students took the COVID Commitments seriously and were attentive to following recommended health practices,” said Dean of Students Shannon Dycus. “None of this was easy or light. 91����Ƶ students made true sacrifices in areas like recreation and relationships for the collective health of our community.”

The university initially delayed the start of the fall semester in August because of four positive tests among student leaders on campus for pre-semester training. This decision proved to be beneficial, allowing administrators and staff to make adjustments to plans in place.

The move-in two weeks later and subsequent in-person classes continued smoothly and without major interruption through the rest of the semester. Read about how 91����Ƶ faculty took on the challenge of hybrid classes.

All of the fall athletics teams, which will compete during the spring semester according to Old Dominion Athletic Conference plans, were able to continue skills training and conditioning, following strict masking and social distancing protocols, according to Director of Athletics Dave King. 

“I am very proud of the student-athletes and their cooperation with the safety protocols in place during practices this fall,” King said. “This gives me hope for the spring when we will need to be extra vigilant in our safety efforts.”

The teams concluded the semester with inter-team scrimmages. Spring semester will see all of 91����Ƶ’s teams back in action. [Director of Athletics Dave King hosted his last week to share updates.]

Successful strategies

91����Ƶ Health Services director Irene Kniss points to testing and identification of positive cases and aggressive quarantine and isolation measures as solid strategies to keep the case load down.

Additionally, 91����Ƶ had its own COVID hotline to facilitate efficient and effective response and conducted its own contact tracing. Each member of the campus community was required to fill out a daily symptoms tracker and data was monitored by a COVID Response Team, led by Beth Good. The director of 91����Ƶ’s cross-cultural programs, Good holds a doctorate in nursing and has years of experience in public health.

“These strategies will continue in the spring semester,” Kniss said.

The COVID Response team, which will continue in the spring semester, included 13 employees who took on the care for students in quarantine and isolation. They managed meal delivery, transportation, contact tracing and other health and well-being needs. 

Besides physical care, the 91����Ƶ community also mobilized around providing ways for students to combat isolation, loneliness and anxiety – all common mental health issues but on the rise especially now. These efforts from Student Life, Residence Life and Health Services, will also continue in the spring, Dycus said, “from quaranteams to spring ‘pause days,’ various activities planned by Campus Activities Council, and different student-led worship opportunities.”

Collaborative effort

91����Ƶ’s COVID strategy has been managed by a collaborative team on the Crisis Management Preparedness Team, chaired by Vice President of Finance Tim Stutzman, and by the president and her Executive Leadership Team.

These groups as well as subcommittees logged a huge number of hours during the summer and the semester, meeting sometimes daily to address issues. Much of the protocols and processes, developed in accordance with and by requirement of the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia, aided in a strong infrastructure related to public health, student life, athletics and academic plans for a safe return in the fall. These plans are currently being updated for spring semester.

“One of our successes has been the inclusion of a lot of people in their areas of expertise around campus,” Stutzman said. “That includes students, who helped us considerably in the summer with their representation on campus committees and who have shown exemplary leadership, from the Student Government Association to our student leaders in Student Life, and in various clubs and organizations.”

Stutzman and Dycus also noted strong partnerships with city officials, Virginia Department of Health staff, and other local partners. 91����Ƶ played a role in two local public health campaigns  calling on the community and university students to prioritize public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication was a priority from the beginning of the summer. A was launched in March 2020 and updated almost daily. From August to December, the university sent approximately 75 communications. Campus signage related to COVID was a major endeavor.

Looking ahead to spring

When students return in mid-January, many of the campus routines set in fall will continue. There will be some major changes related to testing, driven in part by the availability of testing resources. Additionally, all the athletics teams will be competing, with NCAA protocols for increased testing, as well. 

“The takeaways from this semester are substantial,” said Dycus. “We’ve learned communication practices that keep the 91����Ƶ community informed. We formed habits in the protocols that keep us healthy and are attentive to the needs of mental health and resilience that will help us maintain wellness. We benefited from our collective commitment this Fall and we are working hard to facilitate the same for our Spring return.” 

The spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 18. That day, the university hosts its annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Most events will be virtual. 

“We learned a great deal in the fall semester during what was an intense and serious learning curve,” Stutzman. “We know next semester will present its own unique challenges but the successful completion of fall gives us confidence that we are on the right track with our protocols and procedures, and that all of us, students, faculty and staff, are invested and committed.”

More Reading

• Check out the 2019-20 President’s Annual Report, which includes a timeline of the year, as well as a summary of adaptations and challenges. There is plenty to celebrate about this unprecedented year!
• Read an update on 91����Ƶ’s Cross-cultural program and how it’s adapted.
• 91����Ƶ’s virtual offerings have expanded, from professional trainings and coursework to new online degrees. View options at this comprehensive website: .

In recent weeks, 91����Ƶ’s social media handles have featured five faculty and staff sharing mental health support tips. Geared towards students, the posts have also been shared widely among faculty, staff and 91����Ƶ friends.

From something as simple as getting your rest and staying hydrated to learning to say no and spending time with those who energize you, the tips are resonating with many in the campus community this fall. The campaign kicked off in the last week of October, continued through Election Week and will finish up next week, as students conclude their final days on campus and head home for winter break.

A summary of the ten tips is at the end of this article.

Here’s a bit more on this communications campaign, how it got started, and its goals with 91����Ƶ’s social media manager Rebekah Budnikas.

Why this focus?

We know this semester has been particularly difficult for our students, whose lives have been upended in particularly dramatic ways by the pandemic, political and social divisions in our country, and the chaos of our recent political election.

We heard this firsthand in our Transitions classes for first-year students. Students were really encouraged in those classes to name what they were feeling and to be transparent as much as they were comfortable, to be honest about the challenges of this semester. They talked about this and our Transitions instructors relayed this.

From the first weeks of the semester, Student Life, Residence Life and Health Services have been very focused on supporting students in different ways, from quaranteams to the “fall pause day,” various activities planned by Campus Activities Council, and different student-led worship opportunities. 

An example of that extra focus is simply the huge effort put into care for our students around Election Week. There were 11 different spaces, in different formats — our Dean of Students Shannon Dycus calls them “brave spaces”  — for students to process what was happening on campus and in the country with support from faculty and staff from around campus.

Why social media?

Keeping our students, and all of us at 91����Ƶ safe this semester, has been a real community effort. We have some amazing student leaders who have helped, but I think all of our students have really modeled care and concern for each other. That collective effort is evident by our low number of cases, healthy student population, and all of the precautions we’ve taken within the campus community. 

I think some of the success of our effort is the way we communicate with each other. Social media has been a really important way to relay information but also to show and build both support and supportive networks. 

We wanted to use social media to talk openly about the importance of mental and emotional health this semester as part of broader communication efforts to help students who are overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just simply struggling with what is going on. 

Allison Collazo, our director of counseling, shared with me in conversations around this social media campaign that it was important for students to hear from others recognition of both what they were feeling and how difficult it was for them.

��We want our students to know that we are all here for them and we’re all supportive of what they’re going through. You’d expect our director of counseling to talk about mental health but it was also important for us to hear from others, too, across campus. So in addition to Allison and Shannon, our other speakers were Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder, Head Baseball Coach Adam Posey, and Professor Laura Yoder, from our nursing department.

They were great on camera, and spoke from the heart. I think one of the reasons that the posts are being shared is their authenticity. Their care for students really shines through.

The tips! 

1. Be kind to yourself

2. Set boundaries

3. Take a break and limit exposure to stressors 

4. Name what you are feeling 

5. Stay hydrated and eat well 

6. learn when to say no 

7. Take time to rest (relax, nap, get 8 hours of sleep) 

8. Spend time with those who energize you 

9. You don’t have to answer the phone 

10. Participate in grounding activities 

With thanks to Allison Collazo, Director of Counseling

Two clubs at 91����Ƶ did their best to get out the vote this month ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election – and contrary to the fraught and divisive national scene, they did so harmoniously.

The effort, which included a jointly staffed booth on multiple days outside the dining hall and one virtual evening session, was intentionally “bipartisan,” according to Adam Peachey, co-president of the College Republicans, and Luke Wheeler, co-president of the Young Democrats. 91����Ƶ’s Student Government Association, an elected group of student leaders, helped to start the conversation and contributed staffing.

“SGA thought this drive would be a perfect opportunity for the political clubs on campus to lead together and show unity during this extremely polarizing election season,” said Theo Yoder, SGA vice-president. “We hope that we made a difference in our community by helping give students the opportunity to practice their right to vote. SGA is also planning to work closely with them in the future to plan more events revolving around this election.”

The clubs have also met with faculty, staff and administrators to consider ways to promote respectful and civil dialogue about the debates and the election in the coming weeks. 

Publishing a joint statement, via email to the campus community, was one high-profile way that group sought to elevate discourse, urge empathy, and raise awareness about how some aspects of the current election were impacting more vulnerable members of the community, specifically those “lacking in physical safety or an empowered voice.” The message lifts up 91����Ƶ’s community-building values and a shared priority to “move through these next weeks rooted in the values that define 91����Ƶ as peacemakers rooted in Christian understandings.” 

An excerpt from the 10/16 email

Intentional 91����Ƶ community invites us to the following actions:

• Vote! As you are eligible, participate in the important decisions impacted by all of the roles on our ballots.
• As a learning community, lean into the critical thinking and questioning invited by this political moment. 
• Hold together communication priorities of speaking for self, listening to understand, welcoming discomfort as an opportunity for self-awareness, acknowledging history that is racialized and gendered.
• Continue to affirm our Non-Discrimination Policy stating 91����Ƶ does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. Not only do we not discriminate, but we also affirm individuals of these identities. 
• Build a relationship or have a meaningful conversation with someone who sees things differently than you.

The statement was signed by Peachey, Wheeler, SGA co-presidents Justice Allen, Anisa Leonard, Allison Shelly, Dean of Students Shannon Dycus and Provost Fred Kniss.

A convocation on Oct. 28, which will include some of these same student leaders, will focus on the value of civic engagement and “promoting community values in this politically polarized time,” Peachey said. “We want to focus on ways to depolarize or handle things in ways that people can maintain or even find new friendships despite political differences.”

Also on Oct. 28, historian and author Rick Shenkman, of George Washington University’s History News Network, will speak in a University Colloquium on “Why is Democracy So @#$&!  Hard?” The event from 4:15-5:15 p.m. will be livestreamed at on 91����Ƶ’s Facebook page. 

Discussions around campus climate during this tumultuous political season began at a September meeting attended by campus leaders representing students, faculty, student life and administrators, according to political science professor Ji Eun Kim, who advises both clubs.* 

“We have specific ‘Life Together’ commitments which help to guide us all into situations like this,” said Dycus, who convened the meeting. “We want and need our students to be engaged civically. What does it look like to listen respectfully and share our opinions in ways which show compassion and build relationships? As we all care about and contribute these discussions as contributing citizens, centering our commitments towards wisdom, accountability and Christian peacebuilding help us do this in the right spirit.”

The voter registration drive was the main focus of the two clubs, especially because other events, such as debate or election night watch parties, have been difficult to plan with COVID-19 precautions for on in-person gatherings, Peachey said.

Sponsoring a voter registration drive shows that 91����Ƶ’s student leadership holds representation at the polls to be an important individual right, the two leaders said.

“…Both clubs agree that the more people that vote, the more representative our government is and that, even if the people we are registering disagree with us politically, we still want those people to be represented,” Wheeler said. “Our desire for a representative election was a big driving force for the collaboration and SGA also helped to connect us and to encourage the bipartisan effort.”

The voter drive is also an effort to encourage healthy ways of participating among the student body, Peachey said. The volunteers helped students check if they were already registered, register to vote in Harrisonburg or apply for an absentee ballot, he said.“Especially with covid, we want to encourage other options besides driving home to vote.” 

Reflecting on his experience, Peachey said that while 91����Ƶ has “a reputation as a liberal campus,” he’s experienced “a lot of affirmation of anyone expressing different views.”

“I’ve been encouraged by a lot of discussion going on about fostering a better political environment on campus and the desire to hear from both sides of the political spectrum,” he said.

For his part, Wheeler says he’s learned a lot in “really productive and interesting” conversations with Peachey.

“I have learned that we really are not that different, even with what might seem like vastly different views on the surface,” Wheeler said, adding he appreciated Peachey’s “devotion to the political process and to helping everyone to vote,” even as they may not share the same political views.  

*The meeting included Peachey, Wheeler and Young Democrats co-president Reuben Peachey-Stoner; SGA co-presidents Justice Allen and Anisa Leonard; Dean of Students Shannon Dycus; Provost Fred Kniss; Director of Student Programs Rachel Roth Sawatzky; Professor Mark Sawin, president of 91����Ƶ’s Faculty Senate; and Vice President for Advancement Kirk Shisler.

After a bit of a wait, 91����Ƶ sophomore Abby Olmstead is finally on campus and she is “pumped to be back,” she said. “My favorite thing about 91����Ƶ is its welcoming atmosphere, and that has not changed even amidst all of the chaos happening in the world right now. It’s amazing to see everyone again, even if I can only see two-thirds of their faces!”

This weekend marked a big moment for 91����Ƶ’s first-year students, transitioning into college life. The Class of 2024 is the largest in four years and includes students from 15 states and seven countries, said Jason Good, vice president for innovation and recruitment. A few other key stats: The top five majors are nursing, biology, business administration, computer science and engineering. Nearly 30 percent identify as first-generation college students. And they enter with an average GPA of 3.67.

Olmstead, a Broadway resident, was one of many returning students thrilled to be back together again after months of pandemic separation.

“The last few days have been full of happy reunions,” said junior Jessie Landis, a Community Assistant in Parkwoods Apartments. “Many of us have not seen our friends in person since March, so even though we could not all give each other hugs, we have ‘embraced’ each other with joyous shouting and waving.”

Approximately 42 Residence Life staff, including full-time professional staff and those who are students like Landis, are helping nearly 450 residential students transition into a new world of protocols designed with the aim of all-campus health and wellness.

Move-in this year, usually a fun, but hectic, one-day experience, was carefully scheduled over four days. With arrival delayed by two weeks due to cautions over a handful of positive COVID tests, many of the planned in-person activities happened in the virtual space. Before their arrival, students participated in several online events, including a mandatory training that outlined the new campus health protocols and processes. 

Dean of Students Shannon Dycus was excited to welcome students after months of preparation and the additional two-week delay. “As we live into community and our ‘COVID Commitments,’ our health protocols become the highest priority to continue enjoying this privilege of being together,” she said, reflecting on the weekend. The ‘COVID Commitments” are a special pledge from all members of the 91����Ƶ community to share in the responsibility of protecting each other and practicing safe behaviors.

Before entering the residence halls, students were required to show that they had been issued a  “green dot” by 91����Ƶ’s symptom tracker. All students, faculty and staff are required to access the online symptom tracker daily. The green dot means no symptoms are reported. Pictured is Sue Cockley, dean of the School of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts, one of several administrators who volunteered to greet students and parents during the check-in process.

Each student signed up for a one-hour time slot and could bring just one helper into the residence halls. This reduced congestion in the halls and limited exposure inside the hall for all student-residents, Community Assistants and Residence Directors.

With students already entering the third week of the fall semester, there was homework to be done, but also time for get-to-know-you physically distanced activities such as games on the Turf Field and a campfire (with ice cream on the side!) in Park Woods. Students attended activities in “household groups” (aka “pods”). These students share common areas within residence halls and apartments.

Asha Beck, a junior CA in Parkwoods, said the Campus Activities Council activities attracted new and returning students. “I think there was even a small jam session that broke out between a couple of new students,” she added. Even with all the planned events and the adjustment to being around people after months of quarantine,  the “main activity was sitting outside to talk and study with friends… I was impressed and encouraged by how much care for safety students were already taking while still being able to connect and socialize together.”

Local jazz funk band KojoMojo played on Thomas Plaza Sunday night for an audience of returning students. Campus Activities Council hosted this event and offered free Tropical Smoothies to those who came to listen to the music.

The concert closed out CAC activities for the weekend, but the CAs continue their plans to build community within the new physical distancing protocols.

Beck and Landis are sharing CA responsibilities this semester because of their courseload and other involvements around campus. The duo are excited for the coming year as they get to know Parkwoods residents and new students who bring “ fresh energy and perspectives.” 

“I know that this is said every year, but we really do have an incredible group of CAs this year,” Beck said. “I am so excited to work together with them to get creative about programming and ways of interacting together.”

Now back to Abby Olmstead for some final words. Like all 91����Ƶ students, she started the fall semester online and has just two more days before she sets foot into a real, not virtual, college classroom: “I don’t think online classes are really anyone’s ideal way of learning, but I’ve been able to stay positive about it … That being said, we return to in-person classes on Thursday and I can’t wait!”

A virtual welcome, we all know, is not the same as smiles, hugs and the buzz of excitement around the start of the academic year. 

In the wake of a decision to delay move-in to residential halls because of several COVID-19 cases on campus, 91����Ƶ hosted a series of virtual events to welcome students and their parents and caregivers.

Members of the campus community, including administrators, contributed to two town halls, one for students and one for parents and caregivers, as well as a worship service, among other online orientation events already scheduled for the weekend. A workshop on racial justice, hosted by the Student Government Association and Black Student Alliance, capped the schedule.

Classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 25, and faculty are busy reaching out to students with details on the shift. Residential students will move in Sept. 3-6.

A panel of administrators took a range of questions during the Student Town Hall about new move-in plans, how the household model would function, symptom tracking, commuter student health and safety, and more. President Susan Schultz Huxman, Provost Fred Kniss and Dean of Students Shannon Dycus took questions sent in by students, with Director of Student Programs and Orientation Rachel Roth Sawatzky acting as host.

A similar event later in the weekend for parents and caregivers offered the opportunity to hear from Huxman, Kniss and Dycus. Vice President of Student Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good was the host.

“The decision was difficult but right,” Huxman explained, a necessary move, even at such a late stage, to protect the health and safety of 91����Ƶ’s campus community.

The affected student leaders and staff are important contributors to setting 91����Ƶ’s campus culture and critical to the success and welfare of the community as new students arrive, she said.

Huxman reiterated that the Virginia Department of Health and Center for Disease Control guidelines for higher education institutions do not recommend in-home or entry testing of students, faculty or staff. 91����Ƶ has implemented a daily symptom check and included quarantine before arrival, masking and physical distancing measures in addition to other health and safety protocols, she said.

[Visit the FAQs at for more on health and safety protocols.]

Huxman acknowledged criticism for the delay, but also offered grateful thanks for “the outpouring of support, grace and prayers.”

Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder and Campus Ministries staff hosted a Sunday worship service on the theme of worship, welcome and blessing. Two pastoral assistants and a professor offered anecdotes of belonging.

“Has there been a time when you felt included and someone showed hospitality when you least expected it? Or has there been a time when you did that for someone else?” said pastoral assistant Naomi Davis, echoing the theme of the service. “I pray that is something we can pass on…I do hope 91����Ƶ can be that place for you, that you find clubs and spaces and moments where you are welcome, unexpectedly or when you do expect it, but that you find home here.”

The service was rich with music offerings from 91����Ƶ’s Chamber Singers and the student-led group Celebration.

Even as transition can be overwhelming, and especially such a strange one as what we’re all experiencing, Burkholder reminded listeners of the power of faith.

“We know that our life experiences, our faith and nurture has brought us to this point and God is with us. God is with each one of us. God’s love shines through and surrounds us. As you go, go inspired even in the midst of change and loss and the dynamic of an unknown future, trusting that all will be well. All will be well, even if quite different than what you imagined.”

A recent admissions event for incoming students at 91����Ƶ drew historic numbers — and among those listening, surely some breathed a sigh of relief when President Susan Schultz Huxman announced that the university expects to open campus for in-person classes in fall semester 2020.

“We understand there are many questions about the future, some that even we cannot answer yet, but we are making a strong commitment that the pandemic will not diminish 91����Ƶ’s ability to deliver exemplary teaching and  caring community support for our students in fall 2020,” said Huxman. 

Any one of several learning environments may be adopted in the fall, she said, with health and safety of students being the top priority and the decision dependent on the status of COVID-19 in the region and the recommendations of health and educational authorities.

Notably, in a survey during the last week of spring semester classes, students gave 91����Ƶ faculty and staff a 94 percent positive rating for the exemplary care received in and out of the classroom, Huxman said. “91����Ƶ has a reputation as a strong, caring educational community, and this response from our students is a real vote of confidence for all of us. Even in uncertain and challenging times, we’ve all witnessed that our shared commitment to supporting and nurturing each other is stronger than ever.”

91����Ƶ’s location, away from densely populated regions, and its small size — with related flexibilities in programming, scheduling, residential life and special attentiveness to supporting the individual student — are also advantageous at this time, Huxman said. 

The university continues to assess the budget impacts of COVID-19 on its current and incoming students, higher education, and the local, regional and national economy. CARES Act funding allotted to 91����Ƶ was dispersed earlier this summer to qualified students. Two funds — the renamed UFund for Resilience and the new Student Tuition Relief Fund — drew record donations during the university’s annual Lov91����Ƶ Day, yet another affirmation from the broader community of support for 91����Ƶ’s mission and sustainability.

Planning for fall semester began in April. Approximately 60 administrators, faculty,  staff and students  are collaborating on six teams to address university operations, including enrollment, teaching and learning, student life, faculty and staff, budget, and infrastructure. The teams are specifically tasked with contingency planning in their areas, from the best-case scenario of progressive, consistent improvement and lowering infection rates through the summer and fall, to a middle-case scenario of late resurgence in the fall, and finally, the worst-case scenario of ongoing waves of resurgence.

The planning process has included, and will continue to include, input from various internal constituencies — faculty, staff, students,  parents, board of trustees. In addition, 91����Ƶ leaders continue to consult with community leaders as well as  peer private universities in the Commonwealth and other higher education institutions in the Valley, including significant conversation and guidance from state educational and elected officials. 91����Ƶ continues to follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health, as well as Sentara RMH and the City of Harrisonburg.

More details will be released in the coming weeks. The following are general updates across campus.

Incoming Class of 2024 on target

91����Ƶ’s incoming class numbers are on track to exceed last year’s numbers, according to Vice President of Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good. “We’re very excited about the incoming class and committed to working with parents and students as they process the complex factors related to attendance.” A few interesting stats related to this class:

• Students represent 15 states;
• One-third are first-generation college students;
• 40 percent are athletes, and
• Nursing and biology programs continue to be top draws.

Residence Life focusing on health measures

Staff in Residence Life are focusing their attention on developing health and safety measures in conjunction with new guidance released last week by The American College Health Association, specific to housing occupancy, residential life, social gatherings, and dining hall practices, among other topics.

With health and safety, affordability is also a priority, according to Dean of Students Shannon Dycus. “Many, if not all students will have access to the option of single occupancy with no extra charge,” she said, adding that students can still live with a roommate with additional agreements regarding risk.

Staff are hosting “town hall”-style events this summer, in conjunction with the Student Government Association, to keep students updated on developing new protocols and planning around health and safety issues. Also at the forefront of staff time is planning new ways to engage and welcome first-year students through orientation and transition to campus life. 

As with every new academic year, the value of building strong community among all students “is what gives 91����Ƶ life,” Dycus said. “Engaging our students in leadership, shared values, personal well being, and social accountability matters and that will not change in the coming weeks and months.”

Athletics at work on fall plans

In conjunction with plans to open for the fall semester, athletics administrators, coaches and staff are also preparing for the start of the fall athletic season. “We are committed to providing the best student-athlete and team experience possible in the given circumstances,” said Director of Athletics Dave King. “Programming will require a higher threshold of safety practices and most likely, a different format and schedule than in the past.” The Old Dominion Athletic Conference, of which 91����Ƶ is a member, is developing schedules and post-season options for a variety of scenarios.

91����Ƶ can also conduct contests with other institutions outside the conference. Best practices and recommendations from health officials are being considered about issues related to conducting athletics including practice formats and scheduling, transportation, visiting teams, locker rooms, testing, tracing, and training room use, among other issues, King said. 

Flexible instructional formats, new tech

The infrastructure and academic committees are working on management of classroom space to minimize exposure and maximize social distancing practices. Committee members, in conjunction with the Provost’s Office, are planning flexible instructional formats to enable continuity of teaching in response to changing health needs of faculty, staff, and students. Faculty members and academic leaders are working this summer to design courses that will maintain 91����Ƶ’s high academic standards while offering easy flexibility for individual needs and changing public health requirements, said Provost Fred Kniss. Classroom technology setups are also being adjusted to facilitate greater flexibility and support for student learning.

91����Ƶ’s new director of counseling services knows the university and its students well. Allison Collazo, a Pennsylvania native, graduated from 91����Ƶ with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling. She also volunteered part-time in the 91����Ƶ counseling for several months while working full-time as a counselor in the community..

It was the experience of working with college students at 91����Ƶ that shaped her next career steps. Collazo was formerly director of counseling services at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va., where she worked for three years.

The move to 91����Ƶ feels like a good fit, she said. “I really loved being part of this community. This is my alma mater, and I’ve always felt very familiar and integrated with 91����Ƶ, and it’s where I truly started to grow and discover who I might be in the world.” At the same time, though, she knows the challenges of transitioning to 91����Ƶ as both an undergraduate and graduate student.

“Allison’s balance of skill, compassion and professionalism are exciting additions to the student life team,”said Shannon Dycus, dean of students. “Because mental wellbeing is foundational to student success, the strength of counseling services is vital.  As she leads us in mental health support to the 91����Ƶ community, we continue forward to helping all students live into success.”   

Expanded services continue

Collazo will supervise the center’s staff and programming, which includes individual and group counseling, depression and anxiety screenings, and university outreach on topics such as anxiety, suicide prevention or sexual assault awareness. She’ll also support a new team of collaborators who work to provide proactive and coordinated support for students in distress. The CARE Team, which stands for Concern, Assessment, Response and Evaluation, responds to concerns about student behavior, academic progress and personal issues, including mental health concerns. 

Collazo will also continue the expanded services offered by a collaborative program between counseling services and the master’s in counseling program that started in 2017 under previous director Tempest Anderson. 

Selected MAC students who have met stringent requirements provide some of the center’s counseling services. The students, each of whom have completed 30 hours of graduate counseling coursework and a 100-hour clinical practicum, and have been approved for internship by MAC faculty, are supervised by counseling faculty.

The program is “genius,” Collazo said. “I appreciate as mental health needs and services are increasing everywhere in colleges and universities, there is a need for more resources and people to respond to that need. It makes a lot of sense to team up with the MAC program, especially because those students need those hours and can provide clinical services. I’m excited to be a part of that and see how I can help facilitate that process, and even look for other ways to potentially provide more clinical services to our students.”

In the 91����Ƶ community

Collazo’s immediate goals are to introduce herself to the 91����Ƶ community through outreach at general campus events and special events focused on mental health awareness, such as on March 28. She also plans to add a few new group counseling sessions to the center’s offerings.

In the fall, she’ll be a part of orientation and first-year seminars as well. “I want to have a presence on campus,” Collazo said. “It’s easy for counseling services to be seen as intimidating, so I want to chip away at that stigma by making my presence known. Students may feel more comfortable visiting these services if they view counselors as people in their campus community.”

A high school psychology class – and “a great capacity to listen” to people and their stories – drew Collazo towards the field, but it was Jeanne Horst, her work-study supervisor at 91����Ƶ, who honed in on her potential for counseling and mentored her towards that career. “She had a vision and she fostered that in me. We had a few conversations about that and by the time I was a junior, I realized that was what I wanted to do.”

During her studies at 91����Ƶ, Collazo participated in Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resiliency (STAR) training, completed a suicide intervention skills training, presented research at the Virginia Pyschological Association Conference, and was president and co-founder of the university’s Psychology Club. She also wrote a successful grant proposal to design and organize a three-part seminar for students on “internal peace and wellbeing.”

Now back at 91����Ƶ, her work continues with similar goals, and much more experience and wisdom to guide her.  

The Dean of Students is the senior student life representative at 91����Ƶ, responsible for the co-curricular aspects of learning and living on campus. The dean collaborates with student life operations and supervises various directors.��

“We saw in Shannon exceptional gifts, skills and dispositions that will serve well our students and staff,” said Provost Fred Kniss. “She is a strong and thoughtful leader who will combine emotional intelligence and wisdom with administrative savvy in leading our highly skilled team of student life staff. Her combination of experience with students in an academic setting and with pastoral support of persons in crisis in her congregational setting prepares her well for this role.”��

Before and during her time as co-pastor of First Mennonite Church, Dycus served as academic advisor and adjunct faculty in the humanities at Franklin University of Ohio. She also taught courses in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and learning skills. At First Mennonite, she led missional and faith formation ministries.��

Dycus has also worked in the chaplaincy, K-12 education and with a youth-focused nonprofit.��

“In this new role, I see one of my primary responsibilities as helping to nurture the culture at 91����Ƶ rooted in our shared values,” Dycus wrote in an email from the Mennonite Church USA convention last week, where she served on the worship planning team. “Whether in classrooms or sanctuaries, my experience has taught me the necessity of cultivating inclusive and creative spaces, the soil from which academic success flourishes. Student life at 91����Ƶ had excelled at this and I hope to encourage ongoing efforts for the sake of this community and its impact on those around it.”

Dycus holds a Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was awarded the Excellence in Liturgical Worship Leadership Award. She is completing a diploma in the art of spiritual direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary.����

She earned her BA in middle and secondary education with a certification in psychology, sociology and economics at Butler University.