The vice president of student affairs desk at STLCC-Meramec will remain under the same name with Linden Crawford sticking around.
Kurt Oberreither
-News Editor –
After the screening committee presented the three final candidates’ strengths and weaknesses, President Zerrie Campbell and Vice President of Academic Affairs George Wasson made the final decision. The announcement was made to administration at the college leadership meeting on Monday, June 13. On Friday, June 16 at the STLCC Board of Trustees meeting, Linden Crawford will be recommended as Meramec’s vice president of student affairs.
“I was thrilled,” Crawford said. “It was an affirmation that we’re ready to move ahead.”
Committee Chairman Andrew Langrehr, Ph.D., said chairing the committee was “a lot of work,” but the committee members provided “great insight.”
“Lin offers a whole lot of strengths [like] knowledge of the campus and district and having worked with faculty and administration. She will be able to hit the ground running without a steep learning curve,” Langrehr said. “Working with Lin this last year has been fantastic. She was always task-oriented and responsive.”
Following the removal of Stephen Petersen, Ed.D., in the spring of 2010, Crawford helmed the position of VPSA temporarily for the 2010-2011 school year. Crawford said she started to feel comfortable working with administration and faculty within her first few months as interim and became interested in making the position long-lasting.
“I worked closely with President Campbell, and I’m looking forward to working with Wasson as well,” Crawford said. “It’s a great opportunity when you have that synergy.”
Crawford said she is looking forward to implementing new document imaging software on the campus. Also, she said streamlining in areas like financial aid, and “having students get what they need more quickly” will be among her expectations for the coming semesters. Furthermore, Crawford said she is anxious to see the benefits of the second phase of Achieving the Dream.
“I don’t think I ever had this-is-only-temporary expectations or implementations. I wasn’t thinking in the short-term,” Crawford said. “This lets me be more strategic.”
According to Crawford, there are subtle differences in the interim and permanent role. She said some rearranging in her desk and office will be in order as well.
“It’s been an enjoyable opportunity, and I’m looking forward to the future,” Crawford said.
Crawford’s term officially begins June 17.
