Faculty Feature

By Patrice Hess, Dean of Transfer Programs and Academic Support Services

Hello, Skyhawks!  A warm welcome or welcome back to you as the new Dean of Transfer Programs and Academic Support Services. Prior to joining SVCC, I have accumulated 24 years of experience in Illinois community colleges, along with work experiences in the private sector and teaching Drama at a middle school. Originally from Galena, Illinois, I pursued my undergraduate studies at Bradley University, followed by obtaining a master's degree from Western Illinois University, and a doctorate from Illinois State University.

My interests include playing golf and traveling. Although my plans for international travel in May 2020 were disrupted, I eventually visited Paris in September 2021, followed by trips to Italy, England, Scotland, and Wales. Looking ahead, I am anticipating an Alaskan cruise this May. During winter break, I take golf trips to Scottsdale, Arizona, and enjoy spending summer days on the beach in South Haven, Michigan.

Inspired by the name of our student newspaper, The Skyhawk View, I would like to share a few views on my short time on the SVCC campus.

#1: This campus and its facilities are beautiful.  Three of the four colleges I have worked for have cornfields on the campus and a river nearby.  There is natural beauty all around us!  One college I worked for is nearly 100 years old, but all of the colleges have facilities that were built in the 60s.  It is evident our Sauk building and grounds are thoughtfully cared for with a great deal of pride.  I am very excited about the coffee shop and the riverside outdoor space in progress!

#2: Our campus is friendly and student-focused.  As soon as I arrived on campus, I started to get involved in things like budgeting, planning for next year, and class scheduling.  Sauk faculty, staff, and administrators put students, learning, and our community at the center of what we do and the decisions we make.  Our mission statement is a lived reality on our campus.

#3: Resources for Sauk students are abundant.  Take advantage of them!  Everywhere I look on campus there are colorful, informative posters and advertisements.  Notice them. Read them. Go to events!  I am sure Sauk is like any school I have worked at – it is tough to ensure students have all they need when they need it.  Your Sauk community is here for you.  Make connections with your instructors, your classmates, and the staff on campus.  I occasionally hear students were too afraid to ask questions or learned about support services too late in their college careers.  Ask questions!  Use the services!  Your learning and your experience are why we are here!

The spring semester is wonderful.  Days are getting longer and commencement is only weeks away.  While I am still navigating the path to becoming the best Dean I can be, I want to emphasize that my office is open to any inquiries or assistance you may need. It is indeed a great day to be a Skyhawk!