Patti McDonell

Patti has worked at Wheaton College since 2006. Her background as an elementary school teacher allowed her to teach 5th grade in Philadelphia, PA and at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. While working at RVA, Patti taught 6th grade and started up a program to assist missionary families who were homeschooling their 1st-5th grade children. After having the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom for twelve years, Patti now thoroughly enjoys being back at college! Her favorite part of her job is her interactions with Wheaton students.

In her administrative support role in the department, Patti has a wide range of responsibilities that support Wheaton students as well as the faculty and other staff. She updates practicum booklets, information, supporting documents students frequently use, including updating these documents on the department website. She is at the hub of department information management, scheduling faculty meetings, student appointments, interviews with faculty, classroom usage, and field trip transportation. She is likely the first person one would meet when stepping into the Education Department suite. Students enjoy her warm, welcoming smile as well as the hot chocolate she provides during the cold, winter months. Glori Schaafsma, '17, describes her as "sweet and caring. As a new student, Patti really helped me better understand the Education program and explore my options; it was so helpful to have that kind of input."

Besides working closely with students and other support staff, Patti assists departmental faculty in a variety of ways. She coordinates course evaluations, departmental evaluations, and surveys, many of which are now completed electronically. Other coordination details include departmental chapels, chapel absences for required practica, searches for new department faculty, budget oversight, and office supplies and materials. In fact, she has provided leadership in reorganizing the layout of the office suite in an effort to make it more inviting, professional and efficient.

Patti is married to Kevin. Together, they have four wonderful children. In her free time, Patti enjoys water skiing, bike riding, scrap booking, and walking their dog, Judah.

Wheaton College
M.A., Biblical Studies, 2017

Calvin College
B.A., Elementary Education, 1986