Southeastern Community College has named Dr. Jennifer Sabourin as its new Vice President of Student Affairs. Sabourin brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education and will lead the college's student services division.
Most recently, Sabourin served as Vice President of Student Services and Athletics at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Michigan. During her tenure, she also served as Interim President and Interim Vice President of Academic Services. Her background includes leadership in enrollment management, financial aid, student engagement, accessibility services, Title IX, residence life, and student success.
"Dr. Sabourin's leadership experience and commitment to students make her a great addition to SCC," said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. "She understands the important role community colleges play in changing lives, and I look forward to the ideas and perspective she'll bring to our leadership team."
As Vice President of Student Affairs, Sabourin will oversee student support services and work with faculty, staff and community partners to help students succeed from enrollment through graduation. She said her focus is simple.
"Student success is much more than graduation," Sabourin said. "Our job is to remove barriers, connect students with resources and help them keep moving forward."
She also sees opportunities to strengthen partnerships throughout southeast Iowa while continuing to serve both traditional and nontraditional students.
"Community colleges meet students where they are," she said. "Whether someone is starting college, changing careers or learning a new skill, we have the opportunity to help them reach their goals."
For Sabourin, accepting the position is also a return to Iowa.
Raised in eastern Iowa, Sabourin's own educational journey began at Indian Hills Community College. She later earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Union University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University before building her career in student affairs at Iowa State, Penn State Altoona and Gogebic Community College.
"I've always believed in the community college mission because I lived it," Sabourin said. "I'm excited to return to Iowa and be part of a college that's focused on serving students and the community."
As she begins her new role, Sabourin said she plans to spend time getting to know the college and the communities it serves.
"My first priority is listening," she said. "I want to get to know our students, employees and community and build on the great work already happening at SCC."
Dr. Sabourin succeeds Dr. Michelle Allmendinger who was named president of Delta College in University Center, Michigan.
