Jill Hoopes, director of student wellness, resigns to pursue new opportunity
The move was confirmed by Bethel on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, sources confirmed to The Collegian that Jill Hoopes, director of student wellness, was no longer employed by Bethel College.
In an email sent to students on Wednesday, VP for Student Life and Dean of Students Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman confirmed Hoopes’s resignation, effective immediately.
“I accepted another job,” Hoopes told The Collegian. “As much as I love the students at Bethel, I feel it's time for me to move on. With the cost of living [and] with the commute that I have, I just couldn't turn down another position where I can make … double what I'm able to make at a college. Colleges, historically, don't pay the best. With times being tight, it was just time for me to move on.”
In the email, Wren-Coleman noted that Hoopes “brought valued knowledge and expertise to the position.” Regardless, the staff member felt like this spring semester was a natural breaking point.
“I feel like I've done some change since I've been on campus,” Hoopes said. “But I've kind of peaked at what I’m able to do. I think it's time for the restructuring period — for them to be able to look at what's best for the students. With [Wren-Coleman] coming in, it's time to … look at the way things are ran. And I think at this point, we have to look at what's best for the college, and I'm not really able to provide that at this time.”
Hoopes maintains that she remains an advocate for both Bethel and its students. “I’ll still always be a number one advocate for Bethel — that won't change,” she said. “But it’s time for me to let the students do the fight because the people that can make change on this campus are the students. They have more of a voice than they think. And I think now's the time for the students to really stand up, let [the administration] know what they want, and to go forward.
“The students have that ability. And now is a really good time for them and the student leaders to tap into the ability they never knew they had.”
The Collegian also contacted Wren-Coleman directly for comment on Hoopes’ departure and is still awaiting a response.
Percy Turner, an adjunct instructor of social work, will be working part-time as the institution’s student wellness counselor. He steps in with credentials in youth mental health, crisis intervention, and anger management. He has over 20 years in the social work field and is a certified trainer for professional development.
Turner will begin his role on April 3 with office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will also be available April 6 during the same time frame. Starting April 10, he’ll be available to meet with students every Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.