Eastern Illinois University selects Jody Stone as new Dean of Students
May-15-2024
Stone’s longtime connection to EIU will reinforce University’s commitment to student success & accountability
(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University announces that Jody Stone has been selected as EIU’s newest Dean of Students. Stone was selected by the University’s search committee following a national search that invited a variety of ambitious and qualified candidates to the Charleson, Illinois-based University.
“We were pleased to see so many qualified national candidates apply for this critical leadership position,” said Dr. Anne Flaherty, Vice President for Student Affairs. “In the end, it was Jody’s knowledge of EIU and his lifelong commitment to our mission and vision that made him the ideal candidate. EIU is thrilled to have him permanently serve in this important role.”
Stone served as the interim Dean of Students at EIU since December 2022. As he steps into his permanent role June 1, he enters his 30th year of full-time employment working in Student Affairs at EIU.
“Like so many others who love this University, I started as a student in 1989.” Stone said. “I’m proud to have served EIU as a Resident Director, Assistant and Associate Director of Housing, and as a Senior Associate Director of Housing before taking on the interim and, soon, the permanent Dean of Students role. I look forward to beginning another exciting career journey here at Eastern.”
According to the search committee, Stone’s wealth of knowledge and expertise are shaped by his passion for student development and commitment to fostering a supportive campus environment at EIU. In his new permanent role, Stone will oversee various Leadership and Engagement, Student Life, Student Legal Services, and the Dean of Students areas. He also will work closely with faculty, staff, and student organizations to promote, sustain, and enhance EIU’s already vibrant and inclusive campus community.
As a Student Affairs professional, Stone has served as Chair for the Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I) Foundation Board in 2018 and President of the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) in 2008, along with a variety of other roles within ACUHO-I and GLACUHO since 2001. During his time at EIU, he presented at many professional conferences locally, regionally, and nationally. Stone admits one of his favorite endeavors is serving as an Instructor for the University Foundations course, which he has taught every fall since 1997. Stone has received several accolades throughout his career, including the EIU Presidential Distinguished Service Award (2022), the GLACURH Dan Hallenbeck Service Award (2019), the EIU College of Education and Professional Studies Alumni Leadership Award (2017), and the Dr. Jack Collins GLACUHO Distinguished Service Award (2016).
Stone earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Pre-Law in 1993 and a master’s in education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs in 1995 from EIU. He and his wife Jane (EIU ’94) have been married 30 years and have three sons, Jake, Jace, and Jack.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
