Sigma Frater Michael Jeffries, retires after 35 years as Dean of Minority Student Affairs
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Students who knew Michael Jeffries said they will miss their mentor, as the associate dean and director of the Office of Minority Student Affairs retires this semester.
Students, faculty and friends congratulated Jeffries Friday afternoon for his 35 years of service at the University with a performance by the University Black Chorus, a gourmet buffet lunch and a slideshow projecting students’ fond memories and praises.
“Hopefully I will continue to have contact with them,” Jeffries said. “I met two students today whose parents were my students.”
Victor Jones, senior in LAS and member of the University’s Black Chorus, said Jeffries helped him attain a scholarship.
He said Jeffries promoted the Dr. Ronald McNair scholarship program, which helps minority students prepare for graduate school.
“It’s going to be a great loss,” Jones said, “He has done a lot for the University.”
Jeffries said he plans to stay busy in retirement. He has accepted a limited appointment to serve as the special assistant to the president of the Council for Opportunity in Education, a nonprofit organization that encourages educational development.
“It will be on my terms,” he added. “I want to spend more time with my family.”
Jeffries said he will remain in the community and plans to facilitate communication between Minority Student Affairs and contacts he has made throughout his career to bring new faculty to the University.
“I still want to follow up on some of the programs I initiated and assist with recruitment,” Jeffries said. “At other universities, too, not just the University of Illinois.”
Priscilla Fortier, an associate director and coordinator of academic services for Minority Student Affairs, said the office has not found a replacement for Jeffries but will conduct a nationwide search.
“It’s going to be a huge transition because he really embodied support to underrepresented groups at the University,” Fortier said. “Not just at the University of Illinois, but on a national level.”
Jeffries said the Office of Minority Student Affairs has made progress throughout his 35-year career.
He added that the graduation rate among University minority students has increased from an average of about 30 percent to an average of more than 65 percent during his tenure.
The Office of Minority Student Affairs not only helps students find success at the University, but also helps them feel welcome, he said.
“We have mentors to make sure the students get off to a good start,” he said.
Jeffries said the focus of the organization should not be solely improving graduation rates.
“We should also have students who feel supported by their University,” Jeffries said. “And helping more minority students go to graduate school.”
Jeffries said based on his interactions with students, he believes they are more satisfied with their education at the University now than they were when he started.
“It is something we still need to work on,” Jeffries said; however, “Not only the number of students, but the quality of the education they receive has improved.”
