The university is getting closer to hiring a new director of Student Activities to replace interim director, Charles Lewter IV, who is also dean of the Johnson-Philips All Faiths Chapel. Lewter has served as interim director since Feb. 26, 2004.Dr. E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith, provost and senior vice president of academic and student affairs, said that the university has been actively searching for a replacement and recently the search team interviewed additional persons at a conference in Minneapolis.
Interim director Lewter says he appreciates the opportunity he has had to serve, and to enhance the quality of the educational experience outside of the classroom,” which he calls the “other education.”
The director of student activities is responsible for managing the Office of Student Activities, assisting with programs such as Campus Activity Board, Greek and non-Greek organizations, Mr. and Miss Prairie View, student publications, intramural sports, homecoming, spring fest and other activities that come to the campus, both social and intellectual.
Dr. Doris Price, associate vice-president of students affairs, said, “we have inquiries regarding student activities, and we have talked to people who have shown interest in the position, but we want to make sure that we select someone who has direct experience in student activities, who has worked in the area, and has a good knowledge base about laws, rules and regulations that govern student activities.”
When asked what the student body can look forward to in the fall semester that is beneficial to the students, Thomas-Smith said, “Expect a very dramatic expansion of intramurals, such as adding more activities. Back to the basics will be on the agenda, and we are hoping to institute a mentoring program with faculty and staff to mentor groups of 30-40 students each and commit to maintaining contact through e-mails, and sharing life experiences, and provide guidance to the students.”
Thomas-Smith has also “asked finance and administration to refresh and refurnish the labs in Farrell Hall (laundry), and add a food service in the venue.”
Currently there is a committee, comprised of both students and faculty, whose main objective is to hire a new director. The decision of who is hired as new director of student activities lies in the hands of Price, who concluded, “We want a very effective leader for the position. This is a critical part of the planning for the co-curriculum and out of class experience that the students should have in a college environment. Only the best will do for my students.