Willis named vice president for student affairs

Michaela Willis has been named vice president for the Division of Student Affairs at South Dakota State University.

Willis is coming to State from Peru (Nebraska) State College where she has served as the vice president for enrollment management and student affairs since 2009.

“We are fortunate to hire an individual with Dr. Michaela Willis’s background and expertise,” said SDSU President Barry H. Dunn. “Michaela has led recruitment and retention strategies at Peru State that caused enrollment increases on campus and online. Her insights in those areas will help us develop and implement a strong enrollment management plan that supports the public, land-grant mission of accessibility and opportunity for the students in South Dakota and the region to pursue their dreams. Michaela’s career path has prepared her for this opportunity and she will be a valuable member of our leadership team.”

Willis will start at South Dakota State July 22.

“I am pleased to be joining the South Dakota State University family as the next vice president for Student Affairs. During my visit to campus, I was able to experience the university’s strong commitment to student success so prevalent across campus. I look forward to partnering with the campus community to serve students and the region,” Willis said. “I would like to thank the search committee, President David Chicoine and President Barry Dunn for the opportunity to build upon the solid foundation of success toward a vibrant future for SDSU.”

Willis has worked as an admissions counselor, coordinator of admissions services and director of admissions and recruitment at Peru State. She has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Doane (Neb.) College and her doctorate of philosophy in educational studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Dr. Willis’s significant investment in Peru State College over the past 16 years prepares her well for this new position. She will bring a wealth of knowledge about admission, enrollment, student life as well as an effective leadership style to South Dakota State University,” said Daniel Hanson, president of Peru State College.