This is an official Student Development blog of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We welcome Ms. Lanette Sessink, new Vice President for Student Development in August 2008.
Born in Detroit, Sessink earned a BA in Physical Education from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Education from Oakland University in Michigan. She has completed coursework and is engaged in dissertation research for an Ed.D. from Saint Louis University. Her research explores character development in higher education.
Sessink most recently served as chair of health and exercise, associate athletic director and associate professor at MidAmerica Nazarene University. During her tenure at MNU, she worked closely with Student Development and Athletics in a number of capacities, including Student Life Council, Judicial Council, resident assistant training, chapel speaker, former coach, assisting in implementing a Character Banquet for athletics, and a number of other tasks.
Some of her many responsibilities at MVNU will include leading a staff of professionals and students; creating and implementing student development programs that focus on academic achievement, social character, spiritual growth, leadership skills and community responsibility; embracing and facilitating opportunities to engage the campus in celebrating diversity of every kind; and coordinating campus crisis response efforts.
During the search and interview process, Brooke Robinson, Student Government Association representative, commented, “Ms. Sessink was incredibly interested in students and being involved with them. She met with about 15 students on her own in the evening and asked many hard-hitting questions about the University, our perceptions and feelings, and what we wanted to see changed. I greatly respected her interest in student life here at MVNU.”
When asked about her move to Mount Vernon, she commented, “I am excited to be part of the team at MVNU that shapes the lives of students on a daily basis, and I’m thankful God has called me into higher education.”
