Jo Branson named assistant dean at Spoon River College

Jo Branson, who joined Spoon River College as the director of the financial aid office 17 years ago, has taken the position of assistant dean in the student services office, saying she was ready for a new challenge.

“I decided to look into this new position because I wanted to continue to serve Spoon River College and the students in a role where I can be more creative, while still being close at hand to help mentor the financial aid office through the transition,” Branson said of the move. “I look forward to working more closely with our advising staff.”

The position was created recently to provide extra support to the dean of student services in the areas of recruitment, retention and other student support activities.

“Jo brings invaluable expertise and leadership to this role,” Missy Wilkinson, dean of student services, said. “She will collaborate with college employees to develop and implement new student recruitment and retention initiatives, including identifying barriers to student success and implementing initiatives to address those challenges.”

Branson resides in rural Ipava with her husband, Steve, and their daughter, Audry, who will be attending Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., this fall.

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Jo Branson named assistant dean at Spoon River College