Now that Associate Dean of Student Development Mark Zeno is leaving, it seems the student life staff is responding with a game of musical chairs.
Director of Student Activities Shelby Coxon announced at the Student Activities Council meeting Tuesday she would be taking Zeno’s position next semester as the associate dean of student development. Zeno announced last week he will move back to Ashland, Ohio, to rejoin his wife, who is pregnant.
Sarah Thuma, who is currently one of two residence life coordinators, will take over Coxon’s position, Dean of Student Development John Frazier said. However, Thuma will have the title of interim director of student activities as the position requires a master’s degree. Thuma has one course left to finish before earning her master’s at the University of Kansas.
Residence Life Coordinator Allison Scahill will then take over Thuma’s responsibilities in Irwin Hall. Thuma, who will continue residing in Denious Hall, will retain her duties as residence administrator of Denious.
Frazier, who said he was unsure of how to fill Zeno’s position when he was informed two weeks ago, said he decided a search was unnecessary with such qualified candidates already on campus.
“We have good people on our staff, and we would be hard pressed to find the quality of people we have,” Frazier said. “We were trying to prioritize what our needs and wants are in that endeavor and realized we had those things already in house.”
Jonathan Affalter, president of SAC, said he was consulted by Frazier before the final decision and thought it was an excellent idea to hire those already at Baker University.
“Frazier asked me about it, and I said it would be what is best for Baker,” he said. “For the last few years, it seems the best people have been from within the Baker community. It allows two people who love Baker to stay here.”
Coxon, who has worked in residence life at previous institutions, said is looking forward to the change.
“I’m very excited. I think it will be a big jump, but I feel prepared for it,” she said. “I’ll definitely miss just working with SAC right now. I’m fully confident that Sarah will keep them going and do a great job.”
Thuma, who has been working with Coxon on SAC and other projects, said the job offer was exactly what she wanted.
“It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “When I decided to go into higher education, I knew that I wanted to be at a smaller, private college in Kansas. Baker feels like home. I don’t want to leave.”
As the three student life faculty adjust to their new duties, Scahill said there will be more work in the spring with one less person.
“We’re all going to have to adjust with a lot more work, but if we all work together, I think it should be a smooth transition,” she said.
Student Life Coordinator Myra Glover said she had no worries about the Coxon’s change and the other transitions.
“It will be a very nice, seamless transition,” she said. “(Coxon) already knows the systems. Students know her. She’ll bring her energy, knowledge and personality.”