Newman University officials have named Christine Schneikart-Luebbe its new dean of students effective Aug. 1, 2018.
Schneikart-Luebbe brings to the position an extensive background in student affairs. Her higher education career includes leadership roles in student engagement, enrollment and alumni relations.
She believes much of the success she has experienced during her career is a result of her genuine interest in people.
“I’m interested in students, in their families, in their experiences — in the positives and the constructives — that’s how we learn and that’s the best way for us to meet students where they are,” Schneikart-Luebbe said. “I’m really looking forward to working alongside students to figure out how we can best serve them and help set them up to be successful. It’s very individual and that’s what excited me about being at Newman University … I think there’s a unique opportunity at a school this size to really get to know students individually and assist them in achieving their personal best.”
Schneikart-Luebbe will begin her role at Newman after serving as a consultant and a dean of students at Indiana University. Prior to her year in Bloomington, Indiana, she spent more than 22 years at Wichita State University where she worked in enrollment services and student engagement, including as dean of students from 2013-2017.
“We’re excited to welcome Christine to Newman University,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “She is a skilled professional who has a heart for students and families. Throughout her career, Christine has proven to be a collaborative and creative leader who has helped make a positive impact. We look forward to how our students’ experience will be enhanced and continue to flourish under her leadership.”
Newman Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics Vic Trilli believes Schneikart-Luebbe will be a valuable addition to the university.
“I’m looking forward to having Christine join our student affairs team. There’s no doubt she brings incredible experience to our dean of students position and I believe she will help lead our team to a new level of serving our students,” Trilli said.
Newman’s new dean said she will be reaching out to students and members of the administration, faculty and staff when she arrives on campus in August.
“I’m looking forward to the first 90 days … doing a lot of listening. I want to visit with students and parents,” Schneikart-Luebbe said, “I also want to spend time with the staff in Student Affairs to hear their thoughts and goals, and their vision for the future. I look forward to working with them to assess our strengths and collaboratively determine best practices to serve our students in the years to come.”
Schneikart-Luebbe believes a vibrant, inclusive and nurturing campus environment can assist students in creating future success.
“Sometimes at larger places you have to kind of fit into a category, into a box, into an organization … what excites me about being here is we really can tailor a personal experience for our students … to their needs and to what will help them be the most successful,” she added.
Schneikart-Luebbe earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Master of Educational Psychology from Northern Arizona University.
She is married to Dan Luebbe, who is a school psychologist for USD 259. They are the parents of twin boys, Joseph and Michael.
