The new Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs has completed his first week in office, and has large aspirations for the future of EIU.
Ryan Hendrickson originally came to Eastern as an assistant professor back in 1999. Hendrickson says that while his home department was in the graduate department, he was a political scientist by nature.
“I just loved teaching here. I did lots of research and I loved that too. And I was very involved with graduate education. I did research in oversight of graduate programs for 16 years,” says Hendrickson.
Two years ago, Hendrickson was also serving as the acting dean for the College of Health and Human Services, and continued that position until June 30th, when his term ended.
But that’s not the only place that he was a dean for.
“I was also the acting dean Booth Library.these different dealerships that have all been very rewarding. I’ve got to interact with very different groups and constituencies,” says Hendrickson.
And all this time, he has still been serving as the graduate dean as well!
With three deanships in his back pocket, Hendrickson has some big plans as the new Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
One of the big goals is to work on the EIU strategic plan, and ensure that it advances astronomically this year. There is also a hope to create some new programs on campus through the Bachelor’s of Applied Sciences.
“So there’s that and we’re excited about advancing. It’s called credit for prior learning, credit for prior learning as a way to apply your experiential learning as course credit,” says Hendrickson.
Something else that Hendrickson is excited about is seeing a bunch of familiar faces throughout campus. He recalls his first day or orientation, and acknowledges just how important making a good connection on that first day can truly be.
“I remember I was with Chris Kahler, we went to an orientation. And I remember not knowing anyone. And it’s, you know, you’ve tried to meet people and there’s always a little awkwardness, but you know, it’s just exciting, you know, meeting new people. So hopefully people will be open and welcoming [for the new school year],” he says.
Hendrickson knows that this new position, while exciting, is going to be a big commitment, but he’s ready to aid the students and any other challenges that may come his way.
“It is a very big and important position at the University but I’m excited about it. I still have a tremendous amount to learn about the position and the responsibilities but you know, every day I’m learning something new,” he says.
Overall, Hendrickson is looking forward to meeting all the new faces of EIU and will do whatever he can to ensure that they feel extremely happy and welcomed.
“Our mission talks about being accessible. It’s in our language, both to be superior in terms of academic training and experience, but also to be accessible. That’s what I like about Eastern.”
