News

Jeffrey Waple, PhD, has been recommended as the new vice chancellor for Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Pending approval by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled May 14 meeting, Waple’s projected start date is Wednesday, July 1.

“Dr. Waple will provide outstanding leadership to our award-winning student affairs division,” said SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe. “The depth of his experience in student affairs at a variety of state universities will greatly benefit our students and staff in the future.”

Waple has over 20 years of professional service in student affairs and currently is the assistant vice president for Student Engagement and dean of students at Northern Kentucky University. 

“I am deeply humbled and excited to be joining the SIUE community,” Waple said. “From my first interaction with the search committee and throughout my visit, I felt a strong sense of community and connection. I was impressed with the level of engagement and care displayed by the students, faculty and staff.

“I want to personally thank Kevin Thomas for his leadership in chairing the search for the new vice chancellor, and I am thrilled to start this next chapter of my career at SIUE and to become a Cougar.”

Waple previously served as director of Campus Life at Clarion University from 2002-08, associate director of Residence Life at Bowling Green State University from 2000-02, assistant to the vice president of Student Affairs and assistant director of Student Life at Illinois State University from 1998-2000. In 2013, he was promoted to the assistant vice president for Student Engagement at NKU.

In his current role, Waple provides leadership and supervision for The Dean of Students Office (student conduct, ombuds services, Title IX coordination, student fee allocation board), African American programs and services, Latino student programs and services, LGBTQ programs and services, campus recreation, Student Union and programming, conference services, student engagement, student leadership development, fraternity and sorority affairs, new student orientation, parent and family programs, and University Housing. He also serves as the primary advisor to the Student Government Association.

In 2010, Waple received certificates for completing the NaBITA (National Behavioral Intervention Team Association) Threat Assessment Institute and the Campus Aggression Prevention Systems Institute. In response to the Dear Colleague Letter from the Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights in 2011, he championed the cause to bring NKU into compliance with Title IX regulations and the Campus Save Act.  

Waple earned a doctorate in educational administration in 2000 from Illinois State University, a master’s in guidance and counseling in 1995 from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor’s in biology from Heidelberg University in 1991.

Waple succeeds Narbeth Emmanuel, who is retiring at the end of the current academic year.