April 29, 2026 – Hendrix College is pleased to announce Austin Jamar “JB” Banks,
who joined the College in January 2026 as interim dean of students, has been
appointed assistant vice president and dean of students. In this role, Banks
will provide strategic leadership for student support services and programs
that foster student success, engagement, and wellbeing.
Since arriving at
Hendrix, Banks has quickly become a visible and valued presence on campus,
connecting with students in residence halls and campus gathering spaces,
attending student events, and cheering on Hendrix athletics. His
student-centered leadership style and commitment to belonging have already made
a meaningful impact on the Hendrix community.
“As many of our
students, faculty, and staff have experienced over the past several months,
Dean Banks is deeply committed to our students and to the vibrancy of our
community,” said Dr. Teresa Garrett, executive vice president for academic affairs
and provost. “As we launch Via Hendrix, his leadership will ensure that
the co-curricular aspects are fully integrated into the Hendrix
experience.”
The launch of
Via Hendrix marks the College’s next evolution of its liberal arts tradition,
integrating rigorous academics with a guaranteed, mentored, full-time
professional experience for every student. Central to this approach is a fully
connected campus experience, where learning extends beyond the classroom
through leadership, involvement, and community engagement. In this model, the
work of student life is not separate from the academic experience, but
essential to it, an area where Banks’s leadership will play a critical role.
Banks brings more
than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, with
deep expertise in student affairs, campus life, student conduct,
wellness, crisis response, and student success. Before joining Hendrix, he
served in multiple senior leadership roles at the University of Colorado
Boulder, at Winston-Salem State University, and at Appalachian
State. His extensive experience in student leadership development,
multicultural student success initiatives, student involvement, and retention
programming is an asset to Hendrix.
“Hendrix is a place
where relationships matter, and students deserve to be seen, recognized, and
heard,” said Banks. “Hendrix is a place like no other, and I am deeply honored
to be a part of such an amazing community.”
Banks holds a Master of
Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with
specializations in leadership and multicultural student development/retention,
and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Criminal Justice from the
University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He also completed leadership
certification through Harvard University’s Institute for Management &
Leadership Education and holds Title IX level II certification.
As assistant vice president
and dean of students, Banks will oversee key areas of student life and support,
helping Hendrix continue to live into its motto, Unto the Whole Person,
and its commitment to educating students for lives of accomplishment,
integrity, service, and joy.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose