Brian Clevenger
Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Retention Management
Why I CARE
I CARE because I know that even a small interaction can shape how students feel about asking for help in the future. College can be overwhelming, and I want every student who comes to me to feel respected, supported and confident that someone genuinely cares about helping them succeed.
How do you show CARE in your day-to-day work at UIS?
My approach is to treat every student the way I would want someone to treat my own family member, with patience, respect and a genuine willingness to help. I try to carefully listen to better understand what they actually need instead of making assumptions. If I can solve the problem, I do. If I can't, I make sure they know who can and what their next steps are, rather than simply sending them somewhere else.
I believe those small moments matter. Taking the time to explain a process, follow up on a question or help a student navigate campus resources can turn a frustrating experience into a positive one. When students feel heard and supported, they're more confident in asking for help and more connected to the university community.
What is CARE?
CARE, our foundation for working with others, guides UIS employees to foster a student-centered experience where every individual feels valued, supported and connected. This framework reinforces our Prairie Star commitment to academic and community excellence through integrity, respect and empathy, embedded into daily interactions.