Beacon College Appoints New Senior Administrators, Dean of Students

As we have shared, the 2016-17 academic year will be one of continued growth and programmatic advancement.  Over the past three years, I believe that we have all sought to create an academic and institutional culture that is more planned, thoughtful, and deliberate.  Prior to my arrival, the Trustees framed this expectation both in Board resolutions and in the summary of presidential requirements set before all applicants for the post in which I am now privileged to serve.

It may appear unusual for me to speak about the prospective academic year before the current one has drawn to a close.  However, the agenda ahead is certainly considerable.  Thus it is “the-sooner-the-better” in the priority of organizing the leadership demanded to successfully complete what must be done programmatically and on campus in the months ahead.

Today, with the approval of the College’s Board of Trustees and with an eye on efficiency in communication, I wish to announce four appointments related to Beacon’s permanent senior management.

Two of these changes are in title for senior administrators who have truly been fulfilling for some time the responsibilities befitting their newly Board-authorized posts.

The Appointment of a Provost for the College: Dr. Shelly Chandler

During the summer of 2014, the previously separated Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs were melded into one administrative unit.  This action was taken to support the development of a more closely aligned system for the delivery of the College’s educational and student support programming. At that time, this combined Division was placed under the guidance and oversight of Dr. Shelly Chandler.  Dr. Chandler has well served the Institution as a professor and senior administrator for more than 14 years and has most recently capably served with the title of Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.  She has also been the trusted “point person” for all matters pertaining to the College’s accreditation.  With this and many other elements in her professional portfolio, the Board and I have determined that her work and level of performance is that befitting the title of Provost.

With the authorization of the Board of Trustees, it is my privilege to appoint Dr. Shelly Chandler as the Provost of Beacon College, a position which will report directly to the President.

The Appointment of a Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management: Ms. Dale Herold

Certainly, the arrival of Dale Herold at Beacon College has ushered in a time of healthy growth consistent with the plans and expectations of the Board of Trustees.  Over the course of her tenure of just over two years, she has transformed the operations of our Office of Admissions and carefully managed a professional staff responsible for recruiting new students and awarding the financial resources necessary for admitted students to attend Beacon College.  Proceeding her time at Beacon, Ms. Herold served at the level of Vice President in admissions and enrollment at a series of institutions, a status of which she is deserving given her record of performance at the College.

With the authorization of the Board of Trustees, it is my privilege to appoint Ms. Dale Herold as Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management.  In this capacity, Ms. Herold will report directly to the President.

The remaining two appointments welcome new professionals to the Beacon community, one in the position being vacated by the retirement of Mr. Cal Sanson, and the second, the function in which Ms. Carrie Santaw has done an excellent job in an Acting capacity in the arena of Student Affairs.

The Appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer: Mr. Otis Vance, MBA, CPA

With the pending retirement of Cal Sanson, the Board of Trustees expedited the search and selection for an experienced Chief Financial Officer, who would bring higher education experience with significant professional qualifications.  With this goal in mind, we immediately pursued a national search via the respected National Association of College and Universities Business Officers (NACUBO) membership.  One name was consistently mentioned, that of Mr. Otis Vance, presently the Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP) in Lewiston, Maine.  In addition to earning a MBA and professional recognition as a certified public accountant (CPA), Mr. Vance possesses significant auditing and management experience in health care.  One additional advantage in the appointment of a professional of his caliber is that Mr. Vance is very familiar with the SONIS platform currently in use at Beacon.  As we will have limited time in the transition process between CFOs, Mr. Vance will assume the responsibilities of Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer on Monday, May 2^nd.  Cal Sanson has offered to provide whatever support may be needed in ensuring a smooth changeover, especially in the closing of the books on this fiscal year and the introduction of a new auditing firm recently selected by the Board of Trustees (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP).

The Appointment of Dean of Students: Dr. Kerry Greenstein

As was announced this morning on our webpage, the College has concluded a search for the Dean of Student Affairs.  We are pleased that Dr. Kerry Greenstein has accepted our offer to assume this position on July 1^st.  Dr. Greenstein has a significant background in the arena of Student Affairs and joins us after an eight-year tenure at Georgia Southern University.

As Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Greenstein will oversee the areas of housing, judicial affairs, the student experience, safety and transportation, and fitness, wellness, and athletics.

We welcome the newest members of the Beacon community and congratulate all introduced here on their new appointments.  I am certain that you will take the opportunity to offer best wishes and support to Shelly and Dale and to reach out to Otis and Kerry upon their arrival.