معرفی
Dr. Jeff Hancks serves as Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work within the College of Education & Human Services at Western Illinois University. He joined WIU in 2005 and has held multiple leadership roles including Executive Director of the School of Global Education and Outreach (2016-2019) and inaugural Baxter-Snyder Professor of Regional and Icarian Studies.
His academic credentials include:
- Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University
- Two M.A. degrees from University of Wisconsin-Madison (Library and Information Studies, Instructional Design and Technology)
- B.A. from North Park University with Scandinavian Studies focus
Dr. Hancks' research examines critical intersections of historical preservation and contemporary education systems. His work on immigration history investigates demographic shifts in rural communities, while his rural higher education studies analyze accessibility challenges in underserved regions. The public libraries research explores how these institutions function as vital community education hubs beyond traditional literacy roles, particularly in resource-limited areas.
As Department Chair, he oversees both the Student Affairs Track and Higher Education Leadership Track programs while maintaining administrative responsibility for the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies. His leadership in the University Archives previously shaped regional historical preservation efforts across western Illinois.
