Philip DeLeon, photo credit Darren Heslop
He will oversee the strategic direction, implementation and assessment of programming and services that maximize student engagement and leadership development.
"We are so pleased that Philip has chosen to return to campus,” says Frances Faehner, vice president for Campus & Student Life. “As a younger alum, it is his vivid and fond memories of Andrews University that fuel his desire to serve a new generation of students."
DeLeon, who holds a Master of Public Administration, most recently served as the manager of Patient Experience, Guest Services and Interpretation Services at Garnet Health Medical Center (GHMC) in New York. He provided oversight to GHMC's comprehensive program driving patient satisfaction.
"We're excited to have Dean DeLeon bring the passion and skills he honed while enhancing the patient experience to creating a first-rate student experience at Andrews," says Steve Yeagley, assistant vice president for Campus & Student Life.
During his ten years in healthcare, DeLeon founded several initiatives that continue to positively impact patient satisfaction and community outreach, including Holiday Cheer, and Beyond the Walls of 707, an employee outreach program resulting in thousands of gifts to community members in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
He also implemented video interpreting services throughout the Medical Center, outpatient facilities and medical group, allowing limited-English, deaf and hard-of-hearing patients the ability to be seen and heard by someone who speaks their language.
When COVID-19 forced restricted visitation at hospitals across the country, DeLeon's team suited up and facilitated virtual visitation for hundreds of patients and their families seven days a week. It was sometimes the only connection patients had with their families during the height of the pandemic.
As Andrews University begins to emerge from the pandemic, DeLeon will again look for ways to provide connection. "God didn't design us to live remotely," he says. "I can't wait to see how He will bring the campus back to life this year, and I look forward to being part of that renewed energy and experience."
Students, student leaders and their sponsors can connect with Dean DeLeon in his Campus Center office. “I'm eager to meet members of our campus community and hear about their experience at Andrews University,” he says. “Everyone's input and ideas are welcome."
In addition to leading the Office of Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities and overseeing the University's 60-plus clubs and organizations, DeLeon will serve as general sponsor of the Andrews University Student Association and consultant to the Andrews University Graduate Student Association. He will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Division of Campus & Student Life to address students' emotional, spiritual, physical and social needs.
Founded in 1874, Andrews University is the flagship institution of higher education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and offers more than 160 areas of study, including advanced degrees. Its main campus is in Berrien Springs, Michigan, but the University also provides instruction at colleges and universities in more than 25 countries around the world.
