Maryville announces the appointment of the experienced leader to continue the focus on Access and Opportunity

In January of this year, Maryville announced that Dr. Nina Caldwell is transitioning from her role as VP of Student Life to the new VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion later this year. Maryville has announced the selection of a new VP of Student Life: Raphaella Prange, hailing from Millikin University in Decatur, IL.

Prange has over 24 years of experience in higher education and is proud to be a first-generation college student and the child of a Latin-American immigrant. She has a proven track record of supporting student success with strategic and innovative programming.

“Maryville’s commitment to access and opportunity for our learners requires a level of experience, focus and grit to create a thriving environment,” said Mark Lombardi, PhD, president of Maryville. “Raphaella’s extensive background is impressive and we are looking forward to bringing her skills to Maryville to take our goals to the next level.”

A native Floridian, Prange earned her B.A. in Interpersonal Communication from DePauw University where she became aware of her passion for leadership and engagement within small campus communities. She went on to earn her M.S. in Student Affairs Administration from Indiana State University and began her career in Student Affairs at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She began her time at Millikin University in 1999 to serve as the Assistant Director of Student Programs and has functioned in a number of roles in student programs, greek life, residence life, and student development.

“I am excited to join the Maryville University team,” Prange said. “As a first-generation Latina college graduate, I am looking forward to bringing the same passion and focus to the Maryville community that has driven me over the course of my career. I look forward to supporting Maryville’s goals of access and opportunity for current and future learners, alike.”

Outside of her work at the University, Prange is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Macon County, is the Chair of the Board for the Children’s Museum of Illinois, a board member of the Illinois Energy Assistance Commission, and volunteers for Decatur Public Schools in parent engagement and magnet school initiatives. During her time as a proud Decatur, Illinois resident, she resided on an urban microfarm homestead with her husband Rob and two children, Robert and Suzanne.