McPherson College President Michael Schneider appointed Ben Coffey as the new dean of students.
Coffey’s new appointment begins immediately. He succeeds Dr. Khalilah Doss who accepted the position of vice president of student affairs at the University of Southern Indiana.
“Ben has several years of experience in the student affairs department at McPherson College,” President Schneider said. “His dedication and commitment to our students over the years along with his knowledge of student life issues is a real asset to our college.”
As dean of students, Coffey is responsible for all aspects of student life at McPherson College including housing and dining services, student engagement, conduct, spiritual life, health and counseling services, student government and clubs, student affairs compliance, and budget.
Coffey has a long history with the college. He began working in academic support in 2011 as coordinator of the writing center, a position he maintained after he was appointed as associate dean of students in 2016. He was promoted to associate vice president for student affairs in 2018. His focus was primarily on housing, conduct, and student government. He also teaches diversity education in the teacher education program.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from McPherson College, a master’s degree of education in curriculum and instruction and is currently finishing requirements for a doctorate in education from Baker University. Before coming to McPherson College, Coffey was a classroom instructor for Canton-Galva and was director of professional development and union president there. He also worked with the Kansas teacher’s union for political activism, member engagement and fundraising, and negotiated teaching agreements with districts across Kansas.