The university saw several significant administrative changes over the past six months.
The departures of Craig Allen, director of Housing and Residence Life, Vera Lee Byrd, director of the Educational Opportunity Program, and Clay Constantinou, dean of the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, have left positions to be filled this fall.
Allen, who had been with the university for more than 10 years, accepted a position at Texas Christian University. He took time before his Aug. 24 departure to reflect on the most significant changes and accomplishments during his time at Seton Hall.
“I am proud of the success of our student staff program, the selection and training of RAs, the caliber of their work and their strong reputation on campus,” Allen said. “The reputation of our professional staff is strong, as well. This year, Seton Hall was selected as one of 12 universities in the country to be studied and observed for best practices of the staff.”
Tara Hart, associate director of Housing and Residence Life, is serving as interim director until the position is filled. Despite Allen’s departure so close to the beginning of the fall semester, she feels HRL is well-equipped to handle the inevitable problems that arise each fall.
“Housing and Residence Life is in an extremely good place, having an exceptionally strong professional staff with many years of experience in our halls,” Hart said. “This time of year is hectic, and we have all learned to lean on each other and support one another as needed. This year will be no different in that respect.”
Byrd, former director of the Educational Opportunities Program, left Seton Hall to seek other opportunities that would bring her closer to her family in the Midwest, according to Tracy Gottlieb, dean of Special Academic Programs, under which EOP falls.
Gottlieb hopes to have a new director in place by Oct. 1.
“We are looking for someone with excellent leadership skills who can make sure that EOP is a visible part of the university,” Gottlieb said. “The person who fills the position should have strong leadership skills but, at the same time, be able to work well with students.”
Erwin Ponder, director of the Upward Bound program and a graduate of Seton Hall’s EOP, is serving as interim director of the program.
A search for a new dean for the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations will begin this fall, according to Radim Dragomaca, an undergraduate student and member of the search committee.
Since Dean Clay Constantinou’s June 30 departure, vice president for Mission and Ministry Rev. Paul Holmes has served as the interim dean for the school.
“I’m looking for an ambassador, a head of an NGO or someone with another type of important international relations involvement,” Holmes said.
The new dean must also possess good networking and fundraising skills.
“We are hoping to find $15 million to build a new School of Diplomacy and International relations,” he said. “That will be the responsibility of the new dean.”
A professional search committee recommended by the United Nations Association and selected by Holmes will assist the Dean’s Search Committee in filling Constantinou’s position.
“They can do easily what we as a search committee cannot do,” Holmes said. “They can find people who are already happy where they are and make offers to them.”
The Dean’s Search Committee will review every application and resume that is submitted and determine six to eight candidates for face-to-face interviews .
“Monsignor Sheeran wants three to five names by Christmas that he and Provost Lindsay can sort through,” he said.
According to Holmes, a new dean should be in place by July 1, 2006.
Jeffrey Fogelson, director of Athletics and Recreational Services, leaves the university Sept. 30. A committee has been appointed to search for a new director.
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