By Grace Gross, Editor-in-Chief
Photography by The McKendrean
As many of you know, Dr. Joni Bastian is retiring this Spring semester. “Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president for student affairs and one of the university’s most beloved staff members, has been serving the campus community and making plenty of positive changes for 3[6] years” (The McKendrean). In celebration of Dr. Bastian’s many years of hard work, I interviewed her about her time at McKendree.
What inspired you to pursue a career in student affairs and higher education?
“I was very involved in leadership activities, including a New Student Orientation Leader, a Resident Assistant, a Student Ambassador, and a Preview Guide during my undergraduate years. I remained in close contact with my supervisors after graduation, and they encouraged me to apply for jobs in higher education. I interviewed for a northern IL recruiting position at McKendree immediately after graduation. I didn’t get the position. However, I moved to Seattle and became a leasing agent and obtained my real estate license. While visiting home, I interviewed at McKendree for another recruiting position and was offered the job! I didn’t accept the position because I didn’t want people to think that a small-town girl couldn’t make it in a big city. Thinking that way was not smart on my part. I finally moved back from Seattle and started working as a Trainer at Mercantile Bank in St. Louis. A job as a Transfer Admission Counselor and Nursing Recruiter was open at McKendree. I was offered the position, and here I am 36 years later.”
What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time at this institution?
“Finishing my master’s and PhD degrees while working full-time. Selected to participate in the CORO, St. Louis, Women in Leadership, Class of 38, selected to participate in the 2004 Alice Manicur Symposium, National Association of Student Personnel Administration (NASPA). At McKendree, we expanded the Student Affairs Department by adding compete dance and cheer teams, Show Choir, Winter Guard, Color Guard, Student Development and Leadership Dept., expanded the IM program with hiring an IM Director, created the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, Student Success, staffed Health Services with a Nurse Practitioner, staffed Counseling Services with two full-time counselors and expanded our University Chaplain area.”
What do you hope your legacy will be at this school?
“I hope that the campus community feels that I “made my mark at McKendree.” I hope that alumni who remember me think that I made a positive impact on their young lives.”
What will you miss most about this role and the students?
“The students have kept me young at heart. I will miss seeing how they grow so much in the four years to come.”
How has working with students shaped your own life and perspective?
“I have so many wonderful memories and stories about students. Helping them navigate some of the challenges they face while at McKendree helps me keep things in perspective.”
Do you have any advice for students about making the most of their college experience?
“My advice is to become engaged on campus. There are so many opportunities on campus and off that they should be exploring.”
What are your plans for retirement? Do you see yourself staying involved in education in some way?
“I do believe that I will stay involved in education in some way. I anticipate working with a grade school in some capacity.”
If you could give one final message to the students, faculty, and staff, what would it be?
“Thank you for being a part of my career journey. I appreciate your friendship, support, and love you’ve shown.”
