Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. In the "At AU" series, the university aims to showcase these exceptional people so we can all hear their voices in an effort to foster positivity and create awareness of their experiences on campus.
For the month of March — Womxn’s History Month — Augustana is featuring Whitney Jibben, who first came to the university in 2010. The Lakeland, Florida, native, has served at Augustana in several roles, including the assistant director of Facility Services and director of housing. In 2023, Jibben became the assistant dean of students for responsibilities & community standards. In this role, she manages the university’s student code of conduct, and offers programs and information on positive personal decision making.
Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose to come to Augustana?
A: I came to Augustana because of two great women, (the late) Tracy Riddle (former associate dean of students) and Sandi Vietor (former director of internships & employer partnerships at the Student Success Center), who mentored me in caring for students and helping them to actualize their potential. I loved the Augie community and Sioux Falls, and finally got to see some snow!
Q: Do you have any other connections to Augustana?
A: I have a step-daughter, Amelia, who is attending Augustana. She is smart, tough and focusing her energy on empowering women through a theme house in the coming year. She is and will continue to be an excellent female leader.
Q: Is there anything you’re passionate about and/or activities you’re involved in outside of AU?
A: I serve on the board of Health Connect South Dakota. We help people live a healthy life through a variety of local resources. I love hockey, gardening and reading.
Q: What is it like for you to be a woman at AU?
A: I am a woman parent, a disabled woman, have been a woman in a male-dominant field and am now a woman in an office of one. Augustana has been a place where my colleagues, supervisors and friends honor and celebrate all of those roles and allow me to bring my authentic self to work to serve students with the same love and compassion.
Q: Have you been involved with any women-centered initiatives at AU? If so, which ones and why?
A: I have taken on leadership for our sexual assault awareness month programming in April. It is important for everyone, especially women, to feel proud of their bodies, safe in the spaces they choose to inhabit and powerful in making the decisions that are best for themselves.
Q: Are there any women in particular at AU or elsewhere who inspire you?
A: Betz McMahon (Campus Ministry office coordinator), Lisa Moeller (building superintendent & logistical coordinator), Sandy Pohlmann (coordinator of conferences & scheduling), Karie Frank (Humanities Division coordinator), Rachel Rohrbach (Student Affairs administrative support) and Brenda Rieger (Department of Biology caretaker). These are some of the most loving and giving women I know and have taken care of me in so many ways personally and professionally. I am also inspired by Mercury Stardust, who reminds us that we are always worth the time it takes to learn a new skill.
To learn more about the "At AU Series," visit augie.edu/AtAU.