Professional Staff

Jermaine Ferguson

Director of Residential Life

I earned my Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of North Alabama and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Tuskegee University. I was an instructor for several years in elementary and secondary education in Chicago, IL. I then transitioned into higher education (Student Affairs), working for several state institutions in Alabama (University of North Alabama, Alabama A&M University, and Auburn University) for many years. My passion is using leadership and education to help transform students into the leaders of tomorrow. Working with students, staff, and faculty has allowed me to blend my passions by advising and encouraging students to use their voices to make a difference. Born and raised in Chicago, I relocated to Cedar Rapids, IA, and served as the Director of Housing Operations at Coe College. I enjoy traveling, sports, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.

Doug Meyer

Associate Director of Residential Life for Housing Operations

Terri Knapp

Administrative Specialist III

I moved to central Illinois to attend Illinois State University, where I earned my B.S. in Social Work. My career began in Peoria as a foster care case manager working with physically and sexually abused children and their families. After getting married, I relocated to the Chicago suburbs and continued my work in foster care, this time supporting prenatally exposed infants and their families. My husband's career eventually brought us back to the Bloomington-Normal area, where we raised our two sons. I joined the Wesleyan campus community 18 years ago, working part-time in the Office of Residential Life. A couple of years later, I moved into a full-time role in Human Resources before returning to ORL in 2017. Being part of such a student-centered environment is one of the things I value most about my work!

Sam Prange

Area Director for Dodds, Dolan, Emerson, Harriett, and Magill Halls, and the East St. and Gates I/Gates Fricke Apartments.

Hello everybody! I am from Mt. Prospect, Illinois. I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a Bachelor's in Psychology, and aside from psychology, while on campus, I was also active in Greek life. I previously worked as an IPV group therapy facilitator and am acquiring my master's in counseling at Northwestern University. As an Area Director, I strive to provide a positive and inclusive environment where all students feel comfortable. In my free time, I watch movies, play with my dog Archie, and play video games with my friends. I hope Archie and I see you on campus! I look forward to working with you all and being a part of the IWU community once again.

Jody Vanderburg

Area Director for Munsell, Ferguson, Kemp, and Adams Halls.

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be the Area Director over first-year halls because the transition into campus life forms our friendships, passions, and identity in ways that impact us for years to come. We desire to create an environment where every student feels at home and a sense of belonging within the IWU community. I was a part of Residence Life at Wheaton College, where I earned a B.A. in English and Secondary Education. I have worked as an educator, community developer, and coach in public and non-profit settings, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know students and their unique endeavors. In my free time, I love being outside, hiking, kayaking, and walking around campus with my dog, Max - he loves meeting new people, so please stop and say hi! I also love baking and trying new recipes, so be sure to check the Munsell lobby for my latest creation!

Leon Lomax

Area Director for Gulick, Blackstock, Pfeiffer, and Donnocker Halls.

I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in '24 with a B.S. in Digital Media Technology and am a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. I aim to learn as much as possible through my experiences and interactions with others and pass it on to those who come after me. Positively impacting the lives of everyone I come across is something I strive to do, hoping they can look back and thank me for it later and pass it on to others.