Dr. Jennifer Alanis has more than 16 years of experience in higher education and student affairs, with expertise in leadership development, intercultural relations, and student success. She has directed programs, training, and strategic initiatives that strengthen campus communities and support student engagement.
She earned her BS from Loyola University Chicago with minors in Spanish, women’s studies, and literature; an MA in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago; and an MEd in Educational Policy and Organizational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed her EdD in Higher Education and Organizational Change at Benedictine University.
Her research focuses on higher education policy, student engagement, and retention. She is particularly interested in supporting first-generation students and creating pathways for long-term academic success. She has taught courses on student affairs foundations, leadership, and practicum experiences for graduate students.
Dr. Alanis has been active at the regional and national levels with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. She has also sailed on three voyages with Semester at Sea, recently serving as Executive Dean for the Spring 2025 voyage.
Originally from Chicago, she is the mother of four and the spouse of a Bronze Star military veteran. Earlier in her career, she worked for Radio Disney Chicago.