Yet another new dean is joining Columbia’s administration.
On Tuesday afternoon, Dean of Student Affairs Kevin Shollenberger announced by e-mail the appointment of Theresa Martinez to the newly created senior position of Dean of Community Development and Multicultural Affairs.
Martinez’s title is the product of ongoing conversation between students and staff during which they established the need to continue building a sense of community on campus with increased co-curricular coordination. In her position, she will serve as leader and organizer for the Office of Student Development and Activities, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Student Group Advising, and the Office of Residential Programs.
“The students and staff on the search committee were enthusiastic about her candidacy, and we are thrilled that she has accepted our offer,” Shollenberger wrote in his e-mail announcement.
Martinez will come to Columbia in November as the chosen candidate out of a nation-wide search. She has long worked in the realm of student affairs, most recently at Ithaca College, where she worked as Director of Student Engagement and Multicultural Affairs. Under her supervision and leadership at Ithaca, the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement, the Office for New Student Programs, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs revamped their approaches to student life and diversity initiatives. While at Ithaca, Martinez also served as the Director of the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement.
Prior to Ithaca, Dean Martinez also worked for 12 years in student affairs at Wells College, where she held various positions, including Director of Residence Life. Additionally, she has served as a leader in student affairs divisions at SUNY Old Westbury, where she acted as the Residence Halls Director, as well as at St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn, operating as Interim Director of Counseling and Career Services.
As an established leader in multicultural affairs, residential life, and student advocacy, Martinez “will support the Community Development and Multicultural Affairs team in continuing the excellent work that has already begun,” Shollenberger’s e-mail announced.
In her position at Columbia, Martinez aims to help enhance organizational advising, leadership development, advocacy, diversity education, and civic engagement, as well as continue to support and foster a greater sense of community.
“I am very excited about joining a talented and committed staff to create a community that extends beyond the classroom; one that believes in a shared sense of responsibility for creating an environment that encourages a free exchange of ideas, a connection to each other, and an opportunity to develop lifelong skills,” Martinez said in a Columbia University press release.
“Theresa Martinez has much to offer the Columbia community,” Shollenberger wrote. “We look forward to welcoming her to Columbia in early November.”
Comments
We're looking for comments that are interesting and substantial. If your comments are excessively self-promotional or obnoxious you will be banned from commenting. Consult the comment FAQ and legal terms.