June 18, 2013

West Texas A&M University President J. Patrick O'Brien will recommend to The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents that Dr. Donna Eddleman be named the University's vice president for student affairs.

Pending the board's approval, Eddleman will begin her duties at WTAMU on Aug. 1. She is filling a position vacated in July 2012 by Dr. Don Albrecht, when he accepted the position of vice president for student engagement and success at Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi. The position has been filled in the interim by Denese Skinner, who will return to Dr. Donna Eddlemanher duties as director of career services.

Eddleman comes to WTAMU from Southern Utah University, where she has served as vice president for student services since 2007. She was one of three finalists interviewed for the WTAMU position.

The vice president for student affairs is responsible for a full range of duties that include overseeing programs, organizations and services in student affairs, the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, recreational sports, Student Government, residential living, student services, educational services and student judicial affairs.

"The vice president for student affairs has the principal responsibility for the quality of campus life at WTAMU to ensure our students have the very best learning experience possible and are successful in achieving their goal of earning their desired degree," O'Brien said. "Donna's years of experience in a similar position at Southern Utah University makes her the perfect fit for West Texas A&M, and I look forward to working with her."

Eddleman earned her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Albany, master's degree from Utah State University and a doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership from The College of William and Mary. She has 25 years of higher education experience and is a strong supporter of student initiatives and programs.

"My passion is student success—helping students imagine what is possible and then challenging and supporting them as they realize their dreams has to be the best job in the world," Eddleman said. "To do so on a campus that has so many students who, just as I was, are the first in their family to attend college, is a privilege.

"My husband and I have been coming to Canyon to visit family for 23 years and have watched, from a distance, the growth and change on campus. The University's focus on student success and its expanding reach and reputation make it an exciting time to be joining the family. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and can't wait to begin to discover the Buff in me."

Before joining the administration at Southern Utah University, Eddleman spent several years at Christopher Newport University where she served as director of student life (1997-1999), associate dean of students (1999-2004) and dean of students (2004-2007).

She also has served a director of orientation and FYE at Michigan Technological University, conference coordinator and scholarship coordinator at Utah State University, director of student life at Colorado Northwestern Community College and director of residence life at Mount Saint Mary College.

Eddleman and her husband Jerry, who was born and raised in Stinnett, have been married since 1991.