ICO Appoints New Dean

CHICAGO (April 9)—The Illinois College of Optometry today announced the appointment of Dr. Stephanie Messner as vice president and dean for academic affairs. Following a national search to fill the critical leadership position, Dr. Messner was selected to advance ICO’s competitive and contemporary educational program.

Dr. Messner has been serving as the interim dean and vice president of academic affairs at ICO for the past 10 months. She also has served in other administrative roles at the College that gave her extensive experience in administration. She served as the assistant dean for patient care education (2008-2011) and prior to that she was chair, post-doctoral and Illinois Eye Institute-based education (1996-2008). In these positions, she has had experience in accreditation, assessment and program development. 

Dr. Messner earned her doctor of optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Since then, she has dedicated 27 years to ICO and has a very valuable historic perspective on the College. She has been involved in much of the development of the current professional program. 

In addition to her work at ICO, Dr. Messner has built a national reputation through her service to several professional organizations. She has been a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, serving as a site team member and site team chair for both institutional and residency accreditation visits. Her involvement with ACOE has provided her with the knowledge and expertise to help with the development of ICO’s accreditation materials over the years. She has also served on the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Residency Affairs Committee, and currently serves ASCO as a member of the Chief Academic Officers. 

For more information about Dr. Messner, view her biography online.

About the Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry, founded in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is among the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Located in Chicago, ICO has a distinguished legacy of providing aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will champion their patients and the profession alike.