Elmhurst College picks new VP for student affairs

Veteran educator Phillip S. Riordan has been named vice president for student affairs at Elmhurst College.

Riordan currently serves as vice president for student affairs at Lynn University, a four-year, private institution in Boca Raton, Florida, that has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the "Most Innovative Schools" in the South. He will begin his new position at Elmhurst in July.

"I look forward to what Dr. Riordan will contribute to our leadership team, and I have been impressed with the depth of his experience, his commitment to innovation, and his promise to provide a student experience that is second to none," Elmhurst College President Troy D. VanAken said.

Riordan says he was drawn to Elmhurst College by its strong academic reputation and the "family" atmosphere that many described during his interviews.

"I was very impressed with the student affairs staff I met, and the students - from the student leaders to the tour guides - were absolutely amazing," Riordan said.

Riordan has worked in the field of higher education administration for more than three decades and has an extensive background in student affairs.

In his role at Lynn, he is responsible for most aspects of student life, including housing, campus safety, recreation, student involvement, health and counseling, spiritual and religious life and multicultural affairs.

Since joining Lynn in 2009, he introduced a program to provide students with staff mentors and peer mentors, opened the Women's Center and launched the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Riordan also is the founder of the Student Affairs Cancer Foundation and the Conquer Colon Cancer Foundation.