Meet the New Dean of the College

Midland Lutheran College has named Henry W. Smorynski, Ph.D., as the next Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College.

“Dr. Smorynski has vast experience with traditional, online, graduate and degree completion programs,” said Dr. Stephen Fritz, Midland Lutheran College president. In addition, Fritz said, Smorynski’s leadership experience at nationally ranked liberal arts institutions provides an understanding of Midland’s core values.

“I believe that offerings such as Midland Online, the Master’s of Professional Accounting and the iMpact Adult Degree completion program add immeasurable value to Midland,” Smorynski said. “We are moving further away from students defined by linear, print culture and more towards those defined by the electronic, random access culture. As such, programs that reflect this type of student and create accessible opportunities are key.”

Smorynski (Smor_in_ski) comes to Midland from the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, and Saint John’s University if Collegeville, Minnesota, where he served as the Provost for Academic Affairs for both independent institutions.

While at Saint Benedict and Saint John’s, Smorynski helped establish funding for Academic Centers, Chairs and Professorships as well as redesigned the schools’ assessment processes.

Prior to that, Smorynski served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., where he oversaw a variety of programs, including nursing, accelerated degree offerings, faculty development and interactive learning technologies.

No stranger to faith-based institutions, Smorynski earned his Bachelor’s Degree from St. Procopius College in Lisle, Ill. Both his Master’s and Doctorate were earned from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

“It is my belief that the emerging global society will only enhance Midland’s Lutheran tradition,” Smorynski said. “The idea that faith and learning are inextricably linked will be central to developing effective and ethical leaders.

Smorynski will begin his duties in mid-August, Fritz said.

Have you met the new VP?

Meet the new Vice President for Student Development, Dr. Vance R. Valerio.

From the media release:

Midland Lutheran College named Vance R. Valerio of Omaha to fill its Vice President of Student Development position on Monday. The announcement comes after a nationwide search.

“We have the same vision for the future of Student Development,” said Dr. Stephen Fritz, MLC president, about the hire. “Dr. Valerio’s experience will be a great asset to Midland.”

His strong faith and vast experience in faith-based education was also a key to the selection. Valerio has worked in a number of such schools, such as Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas; St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and Marquette University in Milwaukee. In addition, “He is very active in the Synod,” Fritz said. “He knows our universe.”

“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to join the Midland family,” said Dr. Valerio. “Coming to the College at a time of renewed vigor has me very excited. I look forward to the challenges we will face as a team. I believe strongly in the mission of the College and look forward to helping our students develop into future leaders.”

Valerio obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.; and his Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His Doctorate in College Student Personnel Administration was earned at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO.

Valerio has also held various administration positions at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, N.M.; Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas; and New York University in New York City. In addition, Valerio has an extensive background in organizational consulting

He comes to MLC after serving as a consultant to the ELCA Nebraska Synod Office and St Paul’s Lutheran Church of Millard, both located in Omaha. Prior to that, Valerio was the assistant vice chancellor for student development services at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. While at UNO, he was responsible for a variety of departments and services including academic support services, student housing, multicultural affairs and the career center.

He will begin his duties immediately, according to Fritz. “We believe he will have an immediate positive impact on the quality of MLC’s campus life.”