University News

Hancks Named Chair of WIU’s Department of Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work

October 29, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University announces the appointment of Jeff Hancks as Chair of the Department of Counselor Education, College 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 key academic programs.

Hancks joined WIU in 2005 as an assistant professor, advancing 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, a role that highlighted his contributions to scholarship and community engagement. From 2016 to 2019, he served as executive director of the School of Global Education and Outreach and in 2020, he began teaching in the College Student Personnel Program.

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

"We are extremely happy to have Dr. Hancks chairing the Counselor Education, College Student Personnel and Social Work Department. This ‘new' department–now with the addition of the Social Work Program to Counselor Education and College Student Personnel–has incredible potential for serving our region and state in crucially important human service areas. We look forward to having Dr. Hancks at the helm for many years to come," WIU College of Education & Human Services Dean Eric Sheffield said.

As chair, Hancks will oversee the Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work programs and continue his leadership of the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies Degree Program. His 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; a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from WIU; and an Education Doctorate in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University.

"I am very 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 in this Department supporting our faculty and students as we make lives better for the residents of the western Illinois region and beyond."

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

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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