With the implementation of the J.A. Wedum Center for Student Success at SCTCC, Rebecca Krystyniak has accepted the newly created position of Dean of Academic Innovation & Success.
Krystyniak comes to SCTCC after many years’ experience as an academic dean, with collaborative leadership, and teaching at the college level, both at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and St. Cloud State University. She received her Ph.D. in Chemical Education from the University of Northern Colorado and her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.
“I am excited to embark on this new role of Dean of Academic Innovation & Success at SCTCC,” said Krystyniak. “By strategically bringing together faculty and staff to collaborate on expanding existing best practices in teaching and student support that address the unique needs of first-generation college students, we can provide an environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.”
The Dean position provides leadership for SCTCC’s Center for Teaching and Learning as well as partners with Academic and Student Affairs to support students in their learning with a focus on first-generation students. Two Pathway Navigators will report to the Dean who will support first-generation student retention and completion by integrating student support services as part of the College’s First-Gen Forward project.
SCTCC serves 2,800 first-generation students, more than half its population, from 40+ school districts in rural and greater St. Cloud. With the College serving such a large segment of first-generation students, their success is critical to the future of Central Minnesota. Proven cohort models at the College show that student accountability, intensive advising, and connected services increase student retention rates of this group of students.
The Wedum Center for Student Success will be a dynamic new campus space combined with a comprehensive plan for student success to enhance first-generation retention and completion. A $2 million challenge gift from the J.A. Wedum Foundation is supporting this initiative, which will become self-sustaining with increased student success.