A familiar face is making the move to the Department of Student Life! Former Associate Athletic Director for Student Success, Dr. Kirk McConnell, was recently named the Associate VP for Campus Life.
When the opportunity arose, McConnell knew the move made sense.
“For me, it’s about the opportunity to have a broader influence on students,” he said. “I’ve had such a great experience in the Athletic Department working with students in a specific role. This gives me a broader platform to work with more students and invest my life in them.”
He is also excited to serve alongside the young staff members in the Department of Student Life.
“They have great energy,” he said. ““I’m looking forward to serving alongside them and sharing my learning experiences with them. They are developing into great leaders.”
In his role, McConnell will be overseeing multiple areas of Campus Life including Residence Life & Housing, Student Conduct, Clubs and Organizations, Student Leadership and Discipleship, Intramurals & Club Sports, and Career Services.
He looks forward to building relationships with students at a broader level.
“I get the opportunity to work with student-athletes at a broader level and build relationships with non-student athletes as well,” he said. “I know so many of them already, but to be able to deepen those relationships and engage them from a different platform is exciting.”
Vice President for Student Life, Mr. Mandrake Miller is thrilled to have Dr. McConnell in this new role.
“He has a passion for students and understands this work,” Miller said. “He is going to be a game changer from a leadership perspective and will be a key component to moving the Division of Student Life and Emmanuel University forward!”
One thing McConnell would like students to know about him is that he loves them already.
“God has positioned them to be at Emmanuel University for a specific purpose,” he said. “I want to help them find that purpose, help them breathe life into their God-given calling and passions, and see them do great things for His glory.”
