Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Joni Bastian, Announces Retirement
(LEBANON, Ill., May 6, 2025) – Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president for student affairs
and one of the university’s most beloved staff members, is retiring at the end of
this academic year.
Dr. Bastian started serving McKendree in 1989 as an admission counselor and was promoted to assistant director of admissions shortly after. She has since served as the director of the McKendree at Night degree program, the director of Career Services, the assistant dean of students, assistant vice president and director of retention, and, finally, her current position – vice president for student affairs, dean of students, and Title IX coordinator, which she has held since 2010.
In addition to serving McKendree in her current role, Dr. Bastian has also been the cheer coach, dance team coach, a University 101 instructor, and a research methods co-instructor for the university’s graduate program. She is also responsible for starting several initiatives on campus, including creating the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, a Student Advising and Success Center, staffed Health Services with a nurse practitioner and medical assistant, staffed Counseling Services with two full-time counselors, and much more. She also added competitive dance and cheer teams, a show choir program, Winter Guard, Color Guard, and a Student Development and Leadership Department. Additionally, she expanded the university’s speech and debate team and also began the university’s famous Purple Fridays.
As impressive as her many feats at McKendree are, what truly makes Dr. Bastian shine is the warmth and care she shows to everyone on campus. She has always represented the university with warmth, knowledge, pride, and authenticity, and is fully present when interacting with others. She embodies the mission of this institution and freely gives her time, wisdom, and heart to others throughout the years.
“Dr. Bastian makes people feel valued,” said Jennifer Pickerell, director of Career Services at McKendree, who has worked with Dr. Bastian for 26 years. “When you work with someone for that long, you don’t just share office space – you share life. She makes people feel seen and heard no matter who you are, and her deep knowledge and ability to navigate complex situations has been invaluable to McKendree.”
Others, including Shaquille Armstrong, area coordinator at McKendree, have noted that Dr. Bastian is unafraid to admit where she needs to grow, embraces humanity, extends grace to others, and laughs boldly.
“Joni has always been the ultimate Bearcat,” said Dr. Tami Eggleston, provost at McKendree.
For her countless accomplishments in her many years of service to the university, Dr. Bastian has been granted emeritus status.
“McKendree has been a big part of my life since I was 10; little did I know that it would have such a great impact on my life,” Dr. Bastian said. “To my McKendree family: it has been an incredible journey. As I say goodbye to my chapter here, I want to say how much I have valued my time with you all.”
-McK-
