Wendy Newell, Knox College’s new assistant director of campus life, approaches her role as more than just a job. She is focused on creating supportive, meaningful experiences that enrich campus life for students.
Newell first learned about Knox through her husband, Justin Newell, who serves as the college’s vice president and director of athletics.
“Justin was the reason Knox was put on our radar about a year ago,” she said.
During spring break last year, the Newell family visited the campus, where her first impressions were shaped by both the campus environment and the welcoming atmosphere of the Knox community.
One of the most important factors in Newell’s decision to join Knox was its identity as a private liberal arts institution.
“I love the liberal arts education side of things (…) and all of the pieces that are part of education that Knox has to offer,” Newell said. “Even though I’m not on the academic side, I do prioritize those values.”
In her role, Newell oversees all student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and advises Union Board.
As she steps into the position, Newell says she is eager to learn more about the students and their needs.
“Not just learning about Knox and Galesburg, but learning about the students—who you are, what you prioritize, and what your needs are,” she said. “How can we partner together to make positive changes that impact campus life?”
Newell is particularly excited that Knox College has an International Fair. She previously worked at an institution that hosted a similar event and saw the impact it had on both students and the surrounding community.
“To see what it brought to the student body, but also to a small, middle-of-nowhere Illinois city that might not otherwise have access to that level of diversity, was powerful,” she said.
Newell believes the event highlights the reach of Knox’s student body while also allowing students to share their cultures with the broader community.
Besides working with students, Newell also devotes time to her interests outside of work. She is a mother of two boys who play soccer for the Peoria FC team, and she enjoys watching them compete in games, tournaments, and training sessions. In her free time, she listens to political podcasts to stay informed on current events and reads political and philosophical books.
As she settles into her role at Knox, Newell wants students to know that she is accessible and eager to connect.
“I’m here during office hours—face-to-face office time is great—but I’m available via email as well,” she said.
Her office hours are posted outside the Campus Life office, and students can email her at [email protected] to schedule appointments. She is also open to meeting outside of posted office hours when needed, noting that she is frequently on campus attending student events.
While she takes her responsibilities seriously, Newell says she finds joy in her work.
“What I do is very important, but I have a lot of fun doing it,” she said. “I really, truly love my job in the sense of serving students—building relationships and bonds that go beyond something transactional.”
