Hancks Named Head of WIU’s Department of Counselor Education, University Student Personnel and Social Work

29 October 2024

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University announced the appointment of Jeff Hancks as Chair of the Department of Counselor Education, University Student Personnel and Social Work. With a long career in both academic and administrative roles, Hancks brings extensive experience and dedication to his new role where he will guide the growth and development of these important academic programs.

Hancks joined WIU in 2005 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2009 and professor in 2014 within the University Libraries. He was WIU’s first holder of the Lillian and Florence Baxter Snyder Professorship in Regional and Icarian Studies; it was a role that highlighted his contributions to scholarship and community involvement. He served as executive director of the School of Global Education and Outreach from 2016 to 2019 and began teaching in the University Student Personnel Program in 2020.

An accomplished author, Hancks has published “Scandinavia in Michigan” (Michigan State University Press, 2006) and “Western Illinois University: A Campus History” (Arcadia Press, 2009). His research interests include Scandinavian migration history, rural higher education policy, and the role of public libraries as community education centers.

“We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Hancks lead the Department of Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work. This ‘new’ department has incredible potential, now with the addition of the Social Work Program to Counselor Education and College Student Personnel. WIU Education and Social Work Eric Sheffield, Dean of the Faculty of Human Services, said, “Dr. “We look forward to many years of Hancks’ tenure.”

As president, Hancks will oversee the Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work programs and continue his leadership of the General Studies Bachelor of Arts Program. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Scandinavian Studies from North Park University; a master’s degree in Scandinavian Studies and Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology from WIU; and a Doctorate of Education in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University.

“I am deeply honored to lead these three academic programs,” Hancks said. “Our graduates are leaders in building stronger, healthier individuals, families and communities. I am excited to be a part of this Department that supports our faculty and students as we improve the lives of those living in the Western Illinois region and beyond.”

For more information about Counselor Education, University Student Personnel, and the Department of Social Work, visit: wiu.edu/coehs/cnedcsp/.

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