Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman tabbed as next VP for Student Life
She was one of two finalists to visit campus in November.
On Saturday, in an email sent to the Bethel College community, President Jon Gering announced that Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman — commonly known as Dr. MeMe — will be hired as the school’s next Vice President for Student Life.
Wren-Coleman will assume the position, as well as Dean of Students, effective Jan. 9, 2023. She succeeds Samuel Haynes, who resigned in September. The other finalist vying for the job was Dr. Laura R. Hutchinson.
“MeShonya … will join Bethel from Tougaloo College … where she serves as Director of Student Success and Student Retention Services,” Gering wrote. “Tougaloo is ranked #3 (U.S. News and World Report, 2022) as a top performer for social mobility and #12 among historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).”
Prior to Tougaloo, Wren-Coleman worked as an Academic Specialist at Alabama A&M University, where she implemented the “Peer Keeper” program designed for students to hold each other accountable academically.
She then became Director of Freshman College at Claflin University, where she created the Panther Academy as a pathway for new student enrollment for those who didn’t meet standardized testing requirements.
Then, she spent eight years at Jackson State University as Director of Educational Opportunities and Director of First- and Second-Year Experiences.
Wren-Coleman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Print Journalism from Rust College, a Master's in Education from Oakland University (Mich.), and a Ph.D. in Administration Leadership in Higher Education from Jackson State. She’s a married mother of two daughters.
“MeShonya is a dedicated higher education professional with over 20 years of experience in student development and support, including first-year programs and academic services,” Gering added.
Wren-Coleman visited Bethel’s campus on Nov. 18 to meet with institutional leadership, various departments, and students.
“Her diversity statement emphasized her joy of embracing students, breaking down barriers, and increasing the self-confidence of all students,” Gering wrote. “The feedback from students and employees during the campus visit recognized her warmth and enthusiasm.”