Oakton Selects Bernard Little as New Vice President for Student Affairs

Des Plaines (March 20, 2025) — Oakton College is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernard Little, Ph.D., as the new vice president for Student Affairs. Little brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education leadership and is deeply committed to building a student-centered campus. Oakton’s Board of Trustees approved his selection during its March 18 meeting. He will join the College in his new role on June 2.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Bernard Little to Oakton College,” said Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., Oakton College president. “Dr. Little is passionate about meeting students where they are and providing them the support they need to reach their goals. His leadership will advance Oakton’s student success initiatives.”

As vice president for Student Affairs, Little will oversee the Division of Student Affairs, including enrollment management; student success; access, equity, and diversity; wellness; athletics; and student engagement. Little will lead efforts to enhance Oakton’s student-centered campus culture and develop initiatives that promote student success and retention.

Little joins Oakton from Prairie State College, where he currently serves as vice president for Student Affairs, overseeing enrollment management; student affairs; and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Among his accomplishments, he launched the P.E.A.C.E. Center, an identity-based space supporting marginalized students. He secured Title III status for Prairie State, designating it as a Predominantly Black Institution to unlock additional funding for student support programs.

Previously, Little served as dean for students & chief diversity officer at Waubonsee Community College, leading student advocacy, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at DePaul University, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Chicago and the University of Richmond.

Actively engaged in the higher education community, Little serves as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and a chair of the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Board of Directors. A longtime National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) member, he has held multiple leadership positions, including serving on the board of directors. Additionally, he is a lead facilitator for Leadershape Inc., helping develop student leadership across North America.

“I'm truly honored and excited to become a part of the Oakton College community,” said Little. “It's always been clear to me that Oakton puts students first, and that commitment to transformative education really resonates with my personal and professional values. I'm eager to roll up my sleeves and work alongside everyone to serve our students and the wider community. I feel incredibly fortunate to be joining such a dedicated team at such a critical moment in higher education."

Little earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from DePaul University, a master’s in Higher Education Administration from Miami University, and a bachelor’s in Communication & Organizational Development from Bowling Green State University. In addition, he has a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.