UMD News Releases

University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life Bruce Gildseth has announced the appointment of Eric Weldy to the position of Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life effective July 2004.

Dr. Weldy comes to UMD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he served as Assistant Dean of Students in the Division of Student Affairs, and as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Education, teaching student affairs administration.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in art from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois, and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in history at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. He has a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in higher education administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

When asked to name the toughest challenge facing student affairs over the next ten years, Dr. Weldy said "It is our ability to react and adapt to change--both internal and external. Constant, on-going change places student affairs professionals in unfamiliar territory--addressing problems or situations they have never encountered before. An example of this would include the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and its aftermath."

Dr. Weldy went on to name a number of topics and issues that colleges and universities are seeking to address. He stated "They include: accessibility, accountability, increasing tuition costs, affirmative action, assessment, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health issues, increased student enrollment, diversity, ethics, student conduct, legal liability, security and safety, fiscal concerns, and information technology."

Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Dr. Weldy comes to UMD with almost 10 years of experience in higher education serving as both an administrator and instructor. In his spare time he enjoys reading non-fiction, taking road trips, jogging, biking, and watching movies.