Freshman College Dean Earns National Recognition

Dr. John Wegner Each year, presidents of U.S. colleges and universities are invited to nominate one educator on their campus who exhibits exceptional work in the areas of first-year student learning, development and success. Ten recipients of the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate designation are selected annually by a national panel of higher education leaders. This year’s recipients include representatives from two- and four-year institutions of all sizes.

Wegner’s profile on the National Resource Center website states, in part, “As a dedicated advocate for first-year students, he has been responsible for developing more effective transitional experiences for students in their first and second semesters in college…Wegner has a distinguished career as a faculty member and repeatedly has demonstrated a commitment to first-year success in both academic and career readiness…”

At ASU since 1997, Wegner moved from the English faculty to become dean of the Freshman College in 2015. The Freshman College includes various programs designed to help freshmen make the transition to college-level academics and remain in school until graduation. These programs include:

• Center for Academic Excellence – academic advising for freshmen, sophomores and students who have not yet declared a major
• First-Generation Rams – encouraging first-generation students to be the first in their family to graduate from college
• Supplemental Instruction – peer-led group study program
• Up & Coming Scholars – focusing on San Angelo area high school students
• ASU Tutoring Center and Math Lab – offering tutoring for over 100 courses
• Signature Courses – promote interaction between freshmen and faculty, familiarize students with campus resources and activities
• Students with a Goal – promoting lifelong student success through innovative resources

Wegner previously served as director of ASU’s Undergraduate Research Initiative and the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research, as well as a faculty athletics representative to ensure the well-being of ASU student-athletes. He is also a published author of short fiction. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.