Because the dean of students position alone cannot meet the needs of all students on campus, the university is in the process of hiring an assistant dean of students.

The assistant dean of students position was planned by the previous dean of students, Barry Schonberger, said Shelly Blunt, the interim assistant provost for academic affairs and chair of the hiring committee.

“I think we’re just moving forward with that plan,” Blunt said.

The proposed candidates will travel to campus April 10, 12 and 15 so a large committee of university representatives and two students can conduct closed on-campus luncheons and judge the candidates.

“The hiring process began February 1, and we began reviewing applications at the end of February,” Blunt said. “It is a national search and we pay for advertising and the candidate expenses.”

Blunt said Dean of Students Angela Batista asked her to chair the committee.

“My job as the chair is to essentially organize the search,” Blunt said. “My committee screens applications based on a criteria – we identify someone that best meets the qualifications.”

The job description said the university is looking for “individuals who have outstanding interpersonal, presentation and communications skills, a dedicated student focus, a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a working knowledge of behavioral intervention, threat assessment, and case management for students in distress.”

The future assistant dean requires a master’s degree in student affairs, student personnel or a related area of expertise.

Three years minimum of experience after the master’s degree is also required, and candidates had to include a letter of recommendation to be considered.

“Once the person has been selected, we will make an announcement to the community,” said Angela Batista, the dean of students.

The university needs more staff so it can better meet the needs of students – it’s not possible for one person, she said.

“This person will be a key partner in advocacy – reaching out to faculty and staff,” Batista said. “We partner with the entire university.”

The chosen candidate will assume the assistant dean position July 1.

“The hiring process is typically a highly structured process that is confidential,” Batista said.

Junior radio and television major Josh Alexander said he likes that students will participate in the hiring process.

“I think it’s great the university is hiring this person,” he said.

If you’re hiring someone for the students, it’s only right for them to be a part of the process, he said.