Augustana names Quad Cities strategic leader Angela Snyder to new role focused on engaged learning

Augustana College has selected Quad Cities strategic leader and alumna Angela Snyder to serve as its first assistant vice president for impact learning, a new role designed to connect every Augustana student more intentionally with hands-on learning, career preparation and meaningful work in the community. Snyder will join the college Oct. 12.

In her role, Snyder will lead CORE (Careers, Opportunity, Research, Exploration), the college’s center for preparing students for post-graduate work, service and education. She also will work closely with Augustana’s CELTS (Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship) to support curricular innovations that prioritize engaged learning.

Reflecting on her return to Augustana, where she majored in speech communication and English as a student, Snyder said she is excited to use her role to build on existing momentum in engaged learning.

“Returning to Augustana at this moment feels incredibly meaningful,” Snyder said. “There is already strong momentum around engaged learning, a clear priority in the college’s strategic plan, and a talented team committed to connecting students more deeply with the Quad Cities. I’m energized by the opportunity to build on that work and help create even more experiences that benefit students, partners and the community.”

Located in the Olin Center at the heart of Augustana’s campus, CORE is a multifaceted center for programming focused on experiential learning. CORE initiatives include career planning and preparation, international and off-campus study, research, service learning, vocational exploration and community-based learning centers, including the Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities and the EDGE Entrepreneurial Center.

CELTS supports Augustana educators in creating transformational, engaging learning experiences for students. Through professional development, collaboration and evidence-based teaching practices, CELTS helps educators advance the college’s mission and prepare students to lead and serve in a diverse, changing world.

President Andrea Talentino said Snyder’s appointment will strengthen connections between Augustana students and the broader community.

“We are excited to welcome Angela Snyder to Augustana to help students discover how they can make an impact here and now, even before they graduate,” Talentino said. “We are committed to producing graduates who know what it means to contribute to the success of businesses, nonprofits and municipalities around us, and are prepared to do the same wherever their paths might lead. Angela’s energy, local connections and commitment to impactful learning are exactly what we need to inspire in our students the value of serving and building community.”

Snyder was selected following a nationwide search led by Kent Barnds, executive vice president for strategy and innovation. The search included an interview process involving Augustana faculty, staff and students.

Barnds highlighted Snyder’s ability to build partnerships through shared goals.

“Her career has required her to bring people together around shared goals when none of them is obligated to participate," Barnds said. "Her ability to build trust, identify mutual value and turn partnerships into results is exactly what Augustana needs as we expand impact learning.”

Snyder comes to Augustana with more than two decades of experience bringing together corporate, nonprofit, educational, philanthropic and civic partners to achieve shared vision. Before returning to her alma mater, Snyder served as chief strategy officer at United Way Quad Cities.

Previously, she held a senior leadership role at Russell, a commercial real estate and construction firm, where she led growth strategies, cross-functional teams, leadership development, business development and organizational integration. Snyder also has served on the Augustana College President’s Advisory Council from 2020-25, and the Augustana College Business for Humanities Advisory Council in 2025.