Student Affairs

Following a national search, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Miriam Roccia, has named Melinda (Mindy) Dilley, EdD, as Dean of Students. Dr. Dilley has served as Interim Dean of Students since February 16, 2026, following her arrival at SIUE as Assistant Dean of Students in July 2024. Dilley brings more than a decade of progressive higher education experience, having served in key leadership roles at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and Nebraska Wesleyan University.

"From her very first days at SIUE, Mindy demonstrated exactly the kind of leadership, heart, and strategic vision this role demands," said Roccia. "In a remarkably short time, she has streamlined the operations of the Dean of Students Office, built bridges with academic partners across campus, and shown up for our students in ways that are both meaningful and lasting. Mindy's deep commitment to student well-being, her experience in behavioral intervention, accountability, and crisis response, and her passion for student basic needs support make her the ideal person to lead this office.” 

“I’d like to thank Rex Jackson, Associate Director of University Housing for serving as the chair of the screening committee and to the committee members who worked at record pace and with deep investment and care to execute an excellent process that introduced candidates to all that SIUE has to offer,” said Roccia. 

Since joining SIUE, Dr. Dilley has worked to strengthen the Dean of Students Office's relationships with faculty and staff, streamlining processes to ensure that students receive more timely and coordinated support. She has been recognized for her genuine connections with students who come to the office in need.  She meets students with compassion and care while also proactively engaging across campus to build relationships and foster a sense of community before a crisis arises.

Dr. Dilley has also served as the university's principal investigator for the End Student Housing Insecurity Grant, a state-funded initiative through the Illinois Board of Higher Education totaling more than $400,000 in the last two years. Under her leadership, this grant has expanded SIUE's laptop loaner and Wi-Fi hotspot programs, deepened partnerships with DCFS and McKinney-Vento service providers and strengthened non-clinical support resources for students experiencing housing and basic needs insecurity.

“I am truly honored to serve as the Dean of Students at SIUE. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and I am committed to creating a campus environment where they feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. I look forward to continuing our work alongside campus partners to strengthen care, advocacy, accountability and community.” 

Dr. Dilley holds a Doctor of Education in College Access and Student Success from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, a Master of Science in Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Missouri State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a minor in Biology and Chemistry, also from Missouri State University. She is a 2021 recipient of Sigma Kappa National Sorority's "35 Under 35" Award. 

As Dean of Students, Dr. Dilley will continue to provide senior-level leadership for Student Care, Advocacy, and Accountability at SIUE, overseeing the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), the Conduct, Assessment, and Intervention Team (CAIT), the Student Care and Advocacy Network (SCAN), and coordinating campus response and postvention efforts to advance student success, safety, and well-being.