Meet the Staff
Meet the Vovis Center Staff
Lisa Harris
Director, Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study and Health Professions Advising
As Director of the Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study and Health Professions Advising, Lisa’s fundamental focus is on students, especially students who are seeking to enhance their education while aspiring to advanced study across many fields. Before coming to Knox in October 2020, Lisa spent over thirteen years in higher education administration and program management at both private baccalaureate institutions and the community college sector. Lisa’s primary focus has revolved around academic advising and holistic student support; cultural competency development; and the implementation of college-wide programs, like new student orientation. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s of English and a Master’s of Higher Education Administration, both from Loyola University Chicago.
Lisa lives outside Galesburg on a small farm with her two children and husband. She enjoys cooking, dancing, biking, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Liz Slabodnick
Assistant Director, Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study and Health Professions Advising
Liz received her B.A. in comparative cultural studies from Ohio State University. Liz is the newest member of the Vovis Center team and brings experience as a small business owner and visual artist to her role at Knox. As assistant director, she will be working primarily with first- and second-year pre-health advising, pre-health shadowing opportunities, and signature Vovis programs and events such as the Knox Summer Scholars program and HORIZONS.
Sandy Jones
Administrative Assistant, Gerald and Carol Vovis Center for Research