¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

As of September 2025

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s next Strategic Plan will support ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s Mission, achieve our Vision, and align with our University Values to provide long-term direction for the University.

The Strategic Plan will also support ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s equity and attainment goals and align with the educational equity goals outlined in the Illinois Strategic Plan.

Goal 1: Strengthen Student Success and Retention

Improve student progression, engagement, and persistence to support the success of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s diverse student body. This goal will ensure students have the resources, support, and sense of belonging needed to thrive from initial enrollment through graduation.

Team Leads: Claudia Mercado, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management; Terry Mena, Vice President for Student Affairs

Goal Team:

• Yolanda Aguilera – Deputy Director of Human Resources
• Maureen Amos – Executive Director of Financial Aid
• Jeremy Babcock – Director of First-Year Experience (FYE)
• Ann Carter – Director of Student Payment Services (SPS)
• Ebony Jiminez-Lee – Staff Psychotherapist and Case Manager, Student Counseling Services
• Paula Hanley – Director of the One Stop Center
• Lea Brecel Limon – Student Representative
• Jaime Mendoza – Academic Advisor
• Aisha Moosani – Office Administrator, President’s Office
• Irma Ortiz – Interim Associate Vice President for Retention and Student Success
• Veronica Rodriguez – Office Support Associate, Student Leadership Development
• DeWitt Scott – Director, APCDIA
• Rahshida Walker – University Registrar
• Michael Zarobe – Director of Alumni Affairs

Goal 2: Enhance Curricular Innovation, Scholarship, and Faculty/Staff Excellence

Advance program innovation, expand learning modalities as appropriate, and provide faculty and staff development to meet evolving student and workforce needs. This goal affirms ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s dedication to academic excellence and continuous professional growth.

Team Leads: Shayne Cofer, Provost; Claudia Mercado, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management

Goal Team:

• Kimya Barden – Director, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education Doctoral Program (NDP)
• Sandra Beyda-Lorie – Executive Director, Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
• Ru Dawley-Carr – Faculty, Graduate College / Goodwin College of Education (GCOE)
• Lesa Davis – Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Cassaundra Garcia – Student Representative
• Matt Graham – Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Jolanta Jonak – Faculty, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education (GCOE)
• Max Kruczek – Acting Associate Vice President for Human Resources
• Elizabeth Lehl – Faculty, El Centro
• Tim Libretti – Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Tammy Martin – Director of Career Services / Interim Director
• Abby Murray – Associate Vice President for Human Resources
• David Nissim-Sabat – Director, Pre-Health Programs, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Sudha Srinivas – Acting Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
• Mary Thill – Faculty, Ronald Williams Library
• Diana Valdez – Associate Director, College of Business and Technology (CBT)
• Sandy Vue – Director, Office of Institutional Research (OIR)
• Yi Yang – Faculty, College of Business and Technology (CBT)

Goal 3: Improve Infrastructure for a Sustainable, Accessible, and Student-Centered University

Strengthen ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s physical spaces, policies, and technologies to create a sustainable, accessible, and student-centered campus environment. This goal will enhance the student experience, improve institutional effectiveness, and ensure the university’s long-term capacity to serve its community.

Team Leads: Terry Mena, Vice President for Student Affairs; Nicki Bazer, Interim General Counsel

Goal Team:

• Akua Cason – Interim Director, Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS)
• Andy Dutil – Executive Director of Budget and Financial Planning
• Christine Guerges – Deputy Director of Human Resources
• Amie Jatta – Director, TRIO Student Support Services
• Jennifer Knuepfer – Interim Assistant Director, Student Counseling Services
• Emma Lubing – Associate General Counsel
• Eliot Rodriguez – Chief Information Officer, University Technology Services (UTS)
• Steve Saba – Director, University Technology Services (UTS)
• Hemant Shah – Architect III, Facilities Management
• Josh Sumner – Executive Director of Facilities Management
• Patricia Lopez, Student Representative

Goal 4: Elevate ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s Identity as an Urban University with Regional Impact

Increase the visibility and recognition of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s programs, alumni, and community impact. Leverage strategic marketing and communications to position ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ as a diverse, inclusive, and influential regional university.

Team Leads: Chris Childers, Executive Director of Marketing, Blanca Jara, Interim Executive Director of Government Relations

Goal Team:

• Doni Alecia – Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications
• Mike Bedell – Dean, College of Business and Technology (CBT)
• Sylvia Daniels – Director of Development
• Amanda Dykema-Engblade – Acting Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Effie Kritikos, Ph.D. – Interim Associate Provost and University Contract Administrator
• Jennie Lasko – Director of Student Health Services
• Timothy Libretti – Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Richard Prescott – Student Representative, Nontraditional Degree Programs
• Ryan Trout – Director of Admissions
• Kenneth M. Voglesonger, Ph.D. – Acting Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and Associate Professor
• Karl Voigt – Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees
• Russell Wartalski – Associate Professor and Department Chair, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education (GCOE)

Goal 5: Advance Fiscal Stability and Growth

Diversify revenue streams, building strategic partnerships, and support enrollment growth to ensure long-term financial sustainability. This goal will secure the resources needed to invest in students, faculty, staff, and the future of the university.

Team Leads: Beni Ortiz, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Liesl Downey, Vice President for Advancement

Goal Team:

• Garo Agopian – Faculty, College of Business and Technology (CBT); Chair, Faculty
• Council on Institutional Advancement
• Jeremy Babcock – Director, First-Year Experience (FYE)
• Rona Castaneda – Senior Director of Budget and Financial Planning
• Aaron Cortes – Director of STEAM Pathways, Center for College Access and Success (CCAS); Adjunct Faculty, Computer Science
• Amanda Dykema-Engblade – Acting Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Tom Philion – Dean, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education (GCOE); Chair, University Planning and Budget Council (UPBC)
• Sudha Srinivas – Acting Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Liaison
• Marcelo Sztainberg – Dean, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
• Ryan Trout – Director of Enrollment Services
• Paola Vargas – Associate Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs