By Haley Costen
Staff Writer
A lot can change in one season, and returning students will notice several differences in the Simmons administration as well as the campus itself.
Switching Gears
Lisa Smith McQueenie, the former Associate Dean of Student Life, stepped into the role of Assistant Provost of Diversity and Inclusion on Aug. 1, as announced by Provost Katie Conboy by email in July. According to Provost Conboy, this new position was created out of the recognition that the College must work to advance important diversity initiatives.
In August Conboy also named Professor Mary Shapiro as the inaugural Diane Kagen Trust Professor. The position stemmed from a gift from the Trust family to the Making Education Work Campaign to endow the Diane Kagen Trust ’77GS Professorship for Leadership Development. The professorship will highlight the leadership work done at Simmons and develop a leadership platform for undergraduate students, according to Conboy’s email.
Renee White, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was added to the Vision 2020 Leadership Circle in July. Simmons was the first college chapter of Vision 2020, and was spearheaded by Dean White and Simmons alumnae and Mass. State Delegate Kate Phelps. In May White, Phelps, two student representatives, and a number of Simmons alumnae/i will attend the Vision 2020 4th National Congress in Philadelphia where Gwen Ifill will receive the Pioneer Award.
Sarah Neill, Vice President of Student Affairs, announced in August that while continuing to work for student affairs, she was also assuming the role of Associate Provost.
Neill also announced that Gina Capra, the former Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Dean of Student life has taken on a newly developed position at the College. Capra will serve as the Violence Prevention and Educational Outreach.
New Faces
The College announced in July that John F. Dolan joined the administration as the new Vice President for Enrollment management, which is responsible for undergraduate admission, graduate admission, and student financial services.
Assistant Provost Sarah Neill announced in August that Cheryl Kimber has joined Residence Life as the new Resident Director of Mesick Hall.
Neill also announced that Melissa Tanguay is the newest part-time member of the Student Life team and will be leading the FIT@Simmons program and providing support for student Wellness Ambassadors.
Name Games
Conboy announced in an email in August that the Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences (GSLIS) would become the School of Library Information Sciences (SoLIS) to reflect the addition of the undergraduate degree program in Computer Science and Informatics last year.
Renovations and Reminders
Bartol Hall has been renovated to offer a late-night dining service in the space where the deli was previously located. Bartol Late Night replaces Quadside Café and has the following hours: Thursday: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Students who are away from campus during the day or have late classes can also sign up for a bagged breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the Campus Dish website: www.simmons.edu/dining.
The Holmes Sports Center has also been updated with new digital signage in the lobby, and the cardio area has new flat screen televisions and lighting. The space has also been reorganized to provide more space between machines, according to Neill.
The campus also became tobacco-free on August 1 after a two-year-long initiative by SNHS students.
