Higher ed veteran named SIU Carbondale associate provost for student success

August 08, 2024

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Shelly Gehrke, who has more than 20 years in higher education experience in academic success and enrollment management initiatives, will become Southern Illinois University Carbondale's associate provost for student success, effective Sept. 9.

The associate provost for student success provides strategic leadership and a focus on innovation for institution-wide Saluki student success initiatives that will inspire the faculty, students and staff to greater academic excellence. Creating and filling the position aligns well with SIU's Imagine 2030 strategic plan, which includes improving student retention and creating a strategy for fostering post-graduation success, said Sheryl Tucker, SIU Carbondale provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

"I am delighted that Dr. Shelly Gehrke will be joining SIU to coordinate and elevate our student success efforts," Tucker said. "Her many years of successful experience in various student-facing roles will provide foundational knowledge of best practices as she collaborates with campus partners to enhance the ultimate success of our students as they graduate and move into the workforce. We look forward to introducing Dr. Gehrke to the broader campus and local communities this fall."

Gehrke's hire follows a national search, which included on-campus interviews in July. People who interacted with Gehrke were impressed by her extensive experience and track record of success.

"I am excited to collaborate across the SIU campus and within the regional community to provide holistic support for students," Gehrke said. "By leveraging our strengths and expertise, we can enhance equity and access, offering students greater opportunities to clarify and achieve their goals."

She emphasized the importance of "enhancing the student experience throughout the entire collegiate journey."

"Student success is not just an individual achievement; it creates a ripple effect that transforms lives and benefits the entire community," she said. "Student success is our success!"

Gehrke's experience includes nearly 14 years at Emporia State University in Kansas, where her roles included vice president for enrollment management and student success. Among her accomplishments was restructuring student services "to strengthen the seamless, holistic focus on student recruitment, access, success and graduation with intentional student support wraparound initiatives."

Gehrke's professional experience also includes serving as director of academic advising at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology and academic adviser at The University of Texas at Austin's College of Natural Sciences.

She earned her doctorate in higher education administration and master's degree in college and university student personnel administration, both from The University of Texas at Austin, and bachelor's degrees in environmental science and public relations from Stephen F. Austin University.

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