CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Danita M. Brown Young, currently the vice provost for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Minnesota, will become vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign effective Aug. 7, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
During a national search, the search committee recognized Brown Young’s potential to strengthen Student Affairs at Illinois by way of her experience at two land-grant universities and at various smaller universities with diverse demographics, strengths and structures. At Minnesota, she successfully worked to unify the student affairs function, demonstrating an ability to face challenges and move people forward.
“Dr. Brown Young is an accomplished ambassador for students, a strategic leader and a collaborative colleague,” Chancellor Robert J. Jones said. “She understands the critical role Student Affairs must play in successfully meeting our land-grant promises of educational access and opportunity. I’m excited to have her join the leadership team here at Illinois.”
Prior to her current role at Minnesota, Brown Young provided student affairs leadership at Purdue University, first as associate dean of students and then as dean of students. She also held student affairs positions at West Virginia University, Ohio University and Loyola University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kent State University, a master’s in community counseling from Loyola University and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Ohio University.
Brown Young succeeds C. Renee Romano, who recently retired.
