Virginia Foster
Associate Vice President of HEA Compliance, Title IX Coordinator
Virginia Foster is a leader who finds meaning in helping create a safer, healthier campus where students and employees can thrive free from sexual harassment. With a career deeply rooted in Title IV and Title IX, Foster has learned to hone in using her analytical thinking and apply it through ethical decision making, allowing her to thrive in complex regulatory environments. Foster’s career in higher education began as a federal work-study student and bloomed into many leadership roles, including director of financial aid to her current role as associate vice president of HEA compliance and Title IX coordinator at Illinois Tech. In her free time, Foster enjoys staying active, preserving produce, knitting, sewing, and singing! Her guiding quote is: “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.”
Ryley Andrews
Title IX Specialist
Ryley Andrews serves as the office’s Title IX specialist. His education background is in psychology and management and his experience in educational consulting has shaped his people-first approach that is rooted in accessibility, support, and education. Andrews focuses on providing intake, outreach, and education to Illinois Tech community members who are interested in utilizing the Title IX process. His work is grounded in trauma-informed practices, accessibility, and clear communication to ensure that individuals understand their options and know what to expect from the Title IX office at every step. Outside of work, Andrews enjoys managing and playing for a local quadball team, an experience that allows him to build community through sport across the world!
Marli Messner
Title IX Department Administrator
Marli Messner is Title IX office’s department administrator. She specializes in education, prevention, and outreach, and is always available to talk about how the office can reach Illinois Tech’s diverse community better. Her work in Title IX started as an undergrad at Knox College, where she was a Dare to Care Peer Educator. Being a peer educator taught her the power of collaboration and connection in preventing sexual violence. Check out the Title IX office’s Instagram (@title9_illinoistech) to see more ways to collaborate!