“I’m thrilled to be joining Lake Forest College,” says Conner. “Throughout my interview process, it became clear that this is a community of students, staff, and faculty that would be a good home for me and my family. I bring open communication, honest relationship-building, and strategic thinking to my work, and I’m eager to get to work with the strong team in Student Affairs to benefit the student experience at Lake Forest. I look forward to seeing folks around campus once I arrive this summer.”

An Iowa native, Conner is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Coe College and also holds a master’s in education degree from Iowa State University. Hired as Grinnell’s Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Orientation in 2009, she was successively promoted to Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students, and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. Before joining Grinnell, she served for eight years in increasingly responsible student affairs positions at Macalester College, Knox College, and Bard College.

“In the two days she recently spent on our campus, Andrea impressed students, faculty, staff and trustees with her experience, insight, kindness and commitment to our educational values. Those of you who interviewed her repeatedly said, ‘I really hope she joins us,’ and I am delighted by her decision to do so,” President Stephen D. Schutt said.

Welcome to Lake Forest College, Dean Conner!