The campus’ fresh perspective for the 2014-2015 school year is Dr. Deborah Anderson, newly appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs. Anderson is replacing Lori Scroggs, who retired in Spring 2014.

Her first impression of IVCC? “Everything that I’ve seen has been really positive, and I’m very impressed.” Anderson said, also complimenting her interview experience and her personal history with the influence of our ambassadors, which encouraged her to submit a job application.

Anderson also described the IVCC setting as “familiar,” as she comes to us from Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba, Mich. where she served as Dean of Arts and Sciences for four years, and grew up not too far away in the suburbs of Chicago.

Under her new title, Anderson oversees academic programming, instruction quality, accreditation compliance, and overseeing the work of the deans. In simpler terms; “I’m responsible for making sure that what happens in the classroom is producing a quality education,” Anderson said.

Anderson utilizes her time on campus connecting with faculty and engaging directly with students as much as possible, despite the fact that much of her job occurs behind-the-scenes.

Prior to her position as Assistant Professor of Human Services and later Assistant Dean/Campus director at Springfield College, Milwaukee, Anderson taught English for two years in Okinawa Japan through the University of Maryland, and was a teaching instructor for 10 years at Marquette University, providing her with experiences to enhance all levels of the IVCC community.

Despite her impressive résumé, which includes a Master of Arts in English and PhD in American Literature and 19th Century British Literature from Marquette University, Anderson takes pride in her many years as a teacher.

“It’s a huge advantage that I spent so much time in the classroom,” Anderson noted. “The higher you go, the further you are from the classroom… but the primary purpose for the institution is staying connected with what’s going on there.”

Overall, IVCC’s new vice president is enthusiastic about making every student’s school experience worthwhile, and encourages them to take advantage of her “open-door policy.” Stop in her office C-310 and get to know her for yourself!