Goshen College President Rebecca Stoltzfus has named Dr. Ann Vendrely as the college’s new vice president for academic affairs and academic dean.

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in higher education as a professor, researcher and administrator, Vendrely will direct the college’s academic program, provide leadership to the teaching faculty and lead the academic strategic planning.

“I am so pleased to have Ann join our leadership team,” said Stoltzfus. “Her extensive teaching, administrative and research experience, expertise and success will be invaluable as she helps us shape our curriculum and academic program offerings for the needs of our students, our community and the broader world.”

For the past four years Vendrely has been the associate provost and associate vice president for academic affairs at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, which has included launching a new general education program and overseeing a successful accreditation process.

As a researcher, she has participated in receiving grants totaling more than $2 million, and her scholarship has focused on a variety of topics in physical therapy, as well as research on best practices for undergraduate education.

She is also a professor of physical therapy at the university and previously served as the program coordinator for the school’s transitional doctor of physical therapy degree program.

In her role as a professor, Vendrely received the institution’s faculty excellence award three times.

“I think that Goshen College is an excellent institution with a bright future,” said Vendrely. “As an alumnus, it is something of a homecoming for me.  In addition, coming from a public institution this change offers me the opportunity to integrate my faith with my work in a new way.”

Vendrely is a 1985 graduate of Goshen College, where she majored in education.

She received a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis, a doctor of education degree from Loyola University Chicago and a second doctorate in physical therapy from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

She hopes to make meaningful connections with the students and faculty to understand the community better.

“I want to make a difference through sharing ideas and using a collaborative spirit,” she said.

Outside of work, Vendrely loves to travel and is usually planning a trip.

“When I do travel I take a lot of photos, some with my phone but most the old-fashioned way with a camera,” she said.

With her role beginning July 1, 2018, Vendrely will report directly to the president and be a member of the president’s cabinet.

She follows Dr. Jo-Ann Brant and Dr. Ross Peterson-Veatch, who served as interim vice presidents for academic affairs and academic dean after Dr. Anita Stalter retired in 2015.