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McKendree University Announces New Vice President of Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs

Two long-standing members of the McKendree community step up to serve in new roles.

by Tina Napper

Lebanon, Ill. (08/14/2025) — The Office of Student Affairs at McKendree University recently welcomed two familiar faces into new roles. Following the retirement of Dr. Joni Bastian, the university's longtime vice president of student affairs, McKendree is now proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Miller '04, M.A.Ed. '07 as the new vice president for student affairs and dean of students, and Calvin Wertman as the new assistant vice president for student affairs.

Miller began her McKendree career as a student worker on campus in 2000, while pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology, graduating in 2004. In 2005, she went to work as the associate registrar for curriculum. She later became the director of student success and retention, the assistant dean for student success and co-coordinator of University 101, and finally the assistant vice president for student affairs and associate dean for student success. Additionally, she serves on several committees and has helped coordinate the university's commencement ceremonies for many years.

A resident of Highland, Ill., Miller received a master's degree in educational studies from McKendree. She continued her education while employed full-time, earning an education specialist degree from North Central University. She now has several responsibilities in her new role, including shaping strategic direction, enhancing student engagement and retention, leading Title IX efforts, guiding a broad range of student services, and much more. She's especially focused on honoring McKendree's rich traditions while cultivating a future-focused campus culture for everyone as the university approaches its bicentennial in 2028.

"We're at a powerful moment where innovation in student support, equity, and engagement can truly elevate our campus culture," Miller noted. "I'm excited to work with students to co-create programs and initiatives that matter to them - and to watch those ideas take root and flourish."

Wertman began his McKendree career in 2018 as the assistant director of residence life and later served as the director of residence life. A native of Holland, Ind., and resident of Lebanon, Ill., Wertman earned a bachelor's degree in secondary English education from the University of Evansville and a master's degree focused in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University.

In his new role, Wertman plans to strengthen the office's internal operations, making systems more consistent, data-informed, and student-centered. He also looks to build stronger bridges between engagement and belonging, especially for commuter, transfer, and returning students.

"I want Student Affairs to be not just a service, but a connector," Wertman said. "My primary goal in my first year is to listen first. There's no shortage of ideas on this campus, and I want to amplify voices that may have been overlooked."

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