In a time when the world grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for a sense of belonging within academic and social spheres has never been more crucial. As many face feelings of isolation and disconnectedness, the pursuit of creating inclusive communities becomes imperative. This theme resonates deeply in a conversation with Rhosetta Rhodes, the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.
No one wants to feel left out, unwelcome or isolated. We all want to be accepted, to be safe and to matter in our community (be that community family, college, a job, etc..)
Since COVID, many people, particularly students are feeling they don’t belong. This feeling of isolation is not a positive or healthy situation. Whitworth College a small private liberal arts university in Spokane, Washington is doing something about it.
Let’s find out how. Rhosetta Rhodes the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Student. She is creating an environment of belonging.
Meeting Rhosetta Rhodes
At the helm of student life at Whitworth University, Rhosetta Rhodes shapes the student experience, overseeing diverse aspects ranging from academic advising to mental health support. Her tenure has been marked by initiatives aimed at nurturing a welcoming environment, ensuring not only academic excellence but also the holistic well-being of students. Under her guidance, the university introduced relaxation centers, group therapy sessions, and innovative programs like Dine in Mind, fostering connections beyond the classroom.
Rhosetta Rhodes appointed Whitworth’s vice president of student life and dean of students
Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor announced that Rhosetta Rhodes, ’99, has been named the university’s vice president of student life and dean of students. Rhodes has served in that role in an interim capacity since August 2015.
“I'm grateful for Rhosetta's passion and focus on student development within the Christian commitments of the university,” Taylor says. “Her ability to lead the marvelous folks we have working in student life and her many and broad connections across campus will ensure that the university's co-curricular programs and student services remain deeply rooted in Whitworth's academic culture.”
In addition to her responsibilities in the student life office, Rhodes will continue to serve as Whitworth's Title IX Coordinator. At the end of the 2015-16 academic year, Rhodes will step down from her role as chief of staff in the office of the president. Rhodes has served as chief of staff in the office of the president since 2011; from 2007-11 she served as director of the then-named Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement (now the Dornsife Center for Community Engagement).
Rhodes earned a B.A. in organizational management from Whitworth in 1999 and a master’s degree in education administration in 2011. According to Taylor she has a keen sense of Whitworth’s student-development philosophy and culture, and she is deeply committed to co-curricular education set within a Christ-centered context.
"For the past year, I have had the opportunity to work with our students, learning how the student-life division assists students in meeting challenges, while affirming the growth and change that occur in their lives." Rhodes says. "I am very excited to continue serving in this role, as we equip our students to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity."
In addition to her leadership roles at Whitworth, Rhodes is also actively involved in the Spokane community. She currently serves on the boards of directors for Visit Spokane and the College Success Foundation; she was also appointed to the Washington State Legislative Task Force on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention, and she serves on the committee for the Spokane Citizen Hall of Fame.
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritizing Mental Health: The university invests in mental health resources, offering relaxation centers, counseling offices, and group therapy sessions.
- Addressing Pre-existing Conditions: Acknowledging that a significant portion of incoming students have pre-existing mental health conditions, the university actively manages and supports these students.
- Well-being Surveys: Regular surveys assess student mental health, providing valuable data for enhancing student support.
- Belonging Initiative: Rooted in exit survey data, the university launched a belonging initiative to make students feel more included and comfortable on campus.
- High-Touch Teaching Approach: Faculty prioritize student interaction, fostering bonds outside of class. Programs like Dine in Mind encourage deeper connections.
- Engaging Parents and Families: Recognizing their pivotal role, the university collaborates with parents to guide students toward success.
- Community Building: Emphasis on social bonding, bridging, and creating an inclusive environment for student thriving.
- Commitment to Student Success: Whitworth prides itself on viewing students as individuals, with staff and faculty consistently going the extra mile in support.
- Selective Staffing: The university recruits individuals who align with its mission of providing education for both the mind and heart.
- Unique Institutional Approach: Encouraging schools to identify their strengths in supporting students, recognizing the uniqueness of each institution.
Discussion Points:
- Mental Health Support: Exploring the importance of investing in mental health resources within academic institutions.
- Creating Inclusive Communities: Strategies for fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity among students.
- Faculty-Student Relationships: Discussing the impact of high-touch teaching approaches on student engagement and success.
- Family Partnerships: Understanding the role of families in supporting students and collaborating with institutions for student well-being.
- Survey Insights: Leveraging data from well-being surveys to enhance student support and address their needs effectively.
- Institutional Initiatives: Examining the effectiveness of programs like the belonging initiative and their impact on student retention and satisfaction.
- Staff Recruitment: Exploring the significance of aligning staff with the institution's mission for holistic student development.
- Unique Institutional Approaches: Discussing the importance of recognizing and leveraging an institution's unique strengths in supporting students.
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