OMSA Searches for a New Associate Dean

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) will hire a full-time Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs, a new position in the department. A search committee narrowed down the candidates to three finalists who will come to campus and be interviewed by students, faculty and staff.

According to the Dean of Multicultural Student Affairs Rosanna Salcedo, the department hopes to hire the new associate dean this fall. The position was posted on the employment opportunities page of the Academy’s website this past summer. The search committee, which was comprised of six faculty and administrative members, read the resumes of each candidate and conducted phone interviews with them.

Salcedo said the team is searching for people who bring additional expertise to the community and show a commitment and desire to promote equity and diversity by working closely with students and colleagues.

"Passion for the work, enjoyment of high school students and a boarding environment and flexibility given the role’s demands are all important."

English instructor Alex Myers, a member of the search committee, added that they were looking for someone who has had previous work in diversity and educational settings.

He said it was difficult to narrow down the “talented pool of applicants” and that the team spent a lot of time looking through, discussing and considering their options. “I think those who currently work in [the OMSA] do a fantastic job,” he said.

In his opinion, the amount of work for the OMSA has grown too large for the three current staff members, and the addition of this position will help distribute the work of program and project planning as well as the increasing demand for student support on campus.

Having served five terms as the Interim Dean of Multicultural Affairs, religion instructor Russell Weatherspoon is familiar with many of the issues on campus, such as the lack of support for students from underrepresented groups. He explained that several students call the OMSA home and that several adults also pass through the office seeking guidance.

In his opinion, it has needed more staff for years. When it came to narrowing down the candidates, he didn’t find it difficult but acknowledged that several viable prospects emerged. “Several different types of people could be successful as associate dean, but passion for the work, enjoyment of high school students and a boarding environment and flexibility given the role’s demands are all important,” Weatherspoon said.

Regarding this role of “home” that the OMSA takes on, senior and student proctor in the office Kelvin Green explained that for him, it’s about being able to go into the office and speak with the dean and interns and ask them questions about life in general or about things on campus. “They’re always there to listen and to talk and to make you feel like this place is your home and create that comfortable space,” he said.

Green believes it’s important for faculty, administrators and students alike to really appreciate the office’s services, which are always working to make Exeter a more inclusive space.

Another member of the search committee was International Student Coordinator Jennifer Smith, who works in the OMSA. For several years, she has worked in diversity and international education, which included participating in similar searches at other institutions. She agreed with Weatherspoon and Myers, as she also looked for individuals who have “passionate experience in social justice, equity and diversity work” and could share those passions on campus. She also thought it would be important to have a person who could relate to and work with the entire Exeter community.

A member of the International Student Alliance, upper Pedro Sanson added that the OMSA is a “great office” that aids many affinity groups and clubs.

“I am constantly in the OMSA with Ms. Smith, the International Coordinator, to plan events and activities. It is a great support for international students.”

Green also stressed the importance of adding a position in the OMSA. “I think that dean Salcedo is so dedicated and devoted to so many causes on campus that it is really hard for her to do everything to the extent that she wants,” he said.

He said that the additional person will allow the office to increase the breadth of their activities.

Smith said that when the committee came together to discuss the finalists, they all shared similar opinions. She said the group had “great energy” and praised her colleagues for their devotion and thoughtfulness during the search. She found it difficult to think of a reason why this position would not be important.

“We need to continue our work together as a community at Exeter around ideas of diversity, equity and social justice—working to become fully competent and inclusive. Diversity is not a box we can check. We must continually think about these matters in all aspects of what we do,” Smith said.