EMU promotes Shannon Dycus to VP of student affairs and dean of students

Eastern Mennonite University announces the promotion of Shannon Dycus to vice president of student affairs and dean of students. Dycus has served as dean of students since July 2019 and has led Student Life in helping EMU to understand and expand its care and services to students throughout the pandemic. She will assume her new role and responsibilities immediately.

“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 EMU. 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 EMU student community and chief student affairs officer at EMU. 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 EMU’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Dycus will join Willingham as co-champion of the Pathway of Achievement pillar of EMU’s new strategic plan, Pathways of Promise 2023–2028, which gives enhanced attention to student retention and well-being.

Prior to her time at EMU, Dycus held leadership roles in both classroom and congregational settings. She brings skills as a pastor and educator to the EMU 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.