CSB+SJU welcomes Assistant Deans of Students
Janet Saturn and Daryl Bass step into new positions of leadership as the Assistant Deans of Students. They are excited to add value to the community.
CSB Assistant Dean of Students: Janet Satern
“In many ways, I still feel like a transfer student, I’ve done heartfelt work, and been to college but coming to a new place, I just feel confused sometimes, I feel lonely sometimes. What is so great about this place [CSB+SJU] is I feel so welcomed.”
Janet Satern, CSB assistant dean of students, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, comes to our campuses with extensive experience in service and professional development. She served as a Wartburg College Area Coordinator for two years before transitioning to Assistant Director of Residence Life and receiving a promotion to Director of Residence Life at Mount Mercy University for another total of three years. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Luther College and a Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs at the University of Northern Iowa.
Satern started her position on July 1, working with CSB Residential Life to welcome incoming students. In addition, she oversees Student Conduct and Bennie Book policies and serves as the Institute for Women’s Leadership (IWL) advisor.
“My dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply ingrained in my professional philosophy,” Satern said.
Satern is a member of the Catherine McAuley Center board, a non-profit organization located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, dedicated to supporting and providing immigrants, refugees and women with resources for tutoring, case management and daycare.
The board’s mission is rooted in the sisters of Mercy Leadership, creating a space where all are welcomed. Satern was the Gospel Choir Director with Campus Life and Spiritual Ministry at Wartburg College for two years, a member of the Vocal Artists of Iowa, and is part of The National Lutheran Choir in the Twin Cities. Satern wishes all to know that she is student-centric and always looks for ways to gather students’ input and add value to their time here at college.
“I am here… for you. If you don’t feel like you belong, find me. You belong, you matter and if anybody didn’t tell you this week, you are loved,” Satern said.
SJU Assistant Dean of Students: Daryl Bass
“To me, community is about people sharing space, but also learning from one another, holding each other accountable, growing with one another, and in a sense, this [CSB+SJU], really is a community. University-wide, we take care of our faculty, staff, and students and you all welcomed me into it.”
Daryl Bass, SJU assistant dean of students, from Jacksonville, Fla., comes to our campuses with almost a decade of working experience in a university setting in the area of Residential Life. Thisincluded four years at as a Resident Hall Supervisor at Edward Waters College, three years as a Residence Life Coordinator at Bethune-Cookman University, and two years as the Associate Director of Residential Life and Housing Services, and the Deputy Title IX Officer at Langston University.
“I am here [at CSB+SJU] to enhance what’s already been established: rich histories and traditions. If something is lacking, let us work to fix it,” Bass said.
Bass received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Edwaters College and a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix. Bass is pursuing a Doctor of Education degree, set to graduate in May 2025. He is a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
“I have worked with many HBCUs [Historically Black Colleges and Universities], so this is a sharp change of pace, especially given all men, all women, campuses. It’s certainly been a learning curve,” Bass said.
Since his arrival on June 5, Bass has been tasked with overseeing Student Conduct, reviewing J-Book policies for bettering student experience, supervising the Saint John’s University Residential Life Department, as the search for a new Residence Director commences, and serving as the Johnnie Development Institute (JDI) advisor.
“For the semester, we started off great, had a smooth check-in, and it’s a whole different experience. I am a firm believer that the way you check in is the way your semester is going to be,” Bass said. “My purpose in life is for my students, it is to be a resource to help them cross the finish line, to obtain their degree and [to make] them to feel safe in my care,” Bass said.
