McKendree University Educator Honored for Outstanding Support of First-Year Students
LEBANON, Ill. (Oct. 13, 2026) – Dr. Jennifer Miller, McKendree University’s vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, has been recognized for her commitment to helping first-year students successfully transition to college. She is a recipient of the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates Award, which honors higher education professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting students during this crucial stage of their college experience.
In collaboration with Penguin Random House Publishing, the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition will recognize Miller’s achievement with an award plaque and honor her in its online publication, “Insights for College Transition,” as well as on the Center’s website and social media.
“Dr. Jennifer Miller has flourished in her role as vice president for Student Affairs,” President Daniel C. Dobbins said. “She and her team work tirelessly to ensure students have an amazing experience both inside and outside of the classroom. It is wonderful and appropriate that her efforts were deemed worthy of this recognition.”
Throughout her time at McKendree, Miller has made a positive impact that benefits not only the university but also students’ lives. Her dedication to enriching the McKendree student experience extends beyond campus walls; Miller is vice president of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and a voting delegate of NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
“Dr. Jennifer Miller’s recognition as an Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate is incredibly well-deserved,” Calvin Wertman, assistant vice president for the Office of Student Affairs, said. “What makes her work so meaningful is that she pairs strong institutional leadership with a deeply personal commitment to students. McKendree students are better supported because of her leadership, and our campus culture is stronger because of the care she models every day.”
To learn more about the award, please visit the Center’s website.
About McKendree University
Founded in 1828 as the first institution of higher education in Illinois, McKendree University is a nationally ranked private university in Lebanon. McKendree offers undergraduate, graduate and online programs that provide a personalized, high-quality educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership development and lifelong learning. McKendree is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Midwest’s Best Regional Universities, Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans. Learn more at www.mckendree.edu.
