New administrators join staff over summer

Sorensen leading human resources

Carl Sorensen, formerly director of human resources at Davidson College, is the new associate vice president for human resources at Richmond.

Sorensen’s appointment was effective July 17.

“Carl’s background in advancing diversity initiatives, developing training programs, and creating a supportive, accepting environment that attracts and retains the best and brightest faculty and staff will be essential to the University of Richmond achieving its strategic goals and inclusive diversity on campus,” said Herb Peterson, vice president for business and finance.

Sorenson became director at Davidson in 2001 after being promoted from associate director of human resources at the college. When he arrived at Davidson in 1994, he spent much of his time implementing the Banner HR system, designing training and development programs and improving processes. As director he successfully helped to diversify the employee population at Davidson and implemented a new performance management process.

Prior to working at Davidson, Sorensen served in the Peace Corps, at Save the Children Federation and at the North Carolina Arboretum. He graduated from Wheaton College in 1980 and received an M.B.A. from Thunderbird School of International Management in Phoenix, Ariz., in 1986.

“Carl gained the unanimous support of the search committee during the interview process,” said Peterson. Many “expressed confidence that his collaborative leadership will foster an atmosphere of trust and morale building.”

Stevenson named director of CDC

Leslie Stevenson, director of the career center at University of Baltimore, was named director of Richmond’s Career Development Center. Her appointment was effective July 5.

Stevenson has more than 10 years’ experience in higher education. She is active in the National Association of Colleges and Employers and a member of the board of directors of the same organization’s Eastern regional association.

“Leslie is very well prepared and eager to assist students, staff and faculty in both career development and career services activities,” said Steve Bisese, vice president for student development. “Many on campus who participated in the interview process cited her textured and thoughtful approach to questions, her innovative ideas for employer outreach, and her warm energy and humor.”

Stevenson previously served as assistant and associate director of career services at University of Virginia, specializing in employer services and diversity outreach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and sociology from UVa. and a master’s of education from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Common Ground director will oversee inclusive diversity initiative

The University selected Glyn Hughes, formerly visiting assistant professor of sociology, as the first director of common ground, a position that will oversee diversity-related programming and promote multicultural competence among students, faculty and staff. His appointment was effective July 15.

In 2003 President Bill Cooper and Provost June Aprille launched the University’s Common Ground Commission to examine diversity on campus and suggest ways to ensure that the University welcomes, values and understands differences. Following the completion of the commission’s work, a second committee—the Common Ground Action Committee—developed an action plan that included hiring a director of common ground.

Hughes will help establish programming that models inclusive diversity and creates opportunities for people of all demographic and ideological identities to come together around common interests for social interaction and formal programming.

Aprille said Hughes’ expertise “extends to a wide range of difference categories, especially gender, race, ethnicity, disability, class and sexual orientation. He is exceptionally well-prepared and eager to assist students, staff and faculty in developing a community that embraces inclusive diversity.”

Hughes holds a Ph.D. in sociology with women’s studies emphasis and a master’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a bachelor’s degree in social science from Flagler College.
He said the Common Ground initiative at Richmond “has taken shape through the efforts of many talented and dedicated people, and I’m very excited to formally join the effort. As a professor here for four years, I know there’s a collective hunger on this campus for pursuing inclusive diversity. As director of common ground, my job will be to coordinate and amplify those energies, which includes working with students, staff and faculty for whom I have great respect.”

Hughes joined the University in 2002 after serving as an instructor and teaching assistant in sociology, women’s studies, writing and orientation programs at UCSB. He has extensive experience with social justice work and diversity issues both inside and outside the university setting. His work includes safe sex and drug use education, HIV/AIDS case management and crisis counseling, disability services and multi-racial community organizing. He was coordinator of an AIDS hotline and a crisis counselor with The National AIDS hotline.

He served on the board of directors and organizing collective of the Richmond Queer Space Project and has been a facilitator for the University’s Collegetown, a four-day social justice retreat. He also has worked with the University’s Black-White Student Dialogues. He was a fellow with the Social Science Research Council’s Program on the Corporation as a Social Institution. He has published articles on teaching gender and depictions of race in media and management. 

Murphy to lead institutional research effort

Patty Murphy is the new director of the Office of Institutional Research. She joined Richmond Aug. 14 from Dickinson College, where she served eight years as assistant vice president for enrollment and college relations and director of institutional research.

While at Dickinson she established the institutional research office, played a key role in supporting the strategic planning process and was deeply involved with enrollment management.

Murphy holds a B.A. degree in French from Wellesley College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in higher education administration from Boston College.

Fabian serving as interim Richmond College dean

Dan Fabian, associate dean of Richmond College, is serving as interim dean of the college. Fabian has been at Richmond seven years, first as assistant dean of Richmond College and chemical health coordinator, then as associate dean in 2002. Previously he served as coordinator of residence education at VCU. He received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Buffalo and a master’s degree in higher education from James Madison University.

“I am confident that Dan will provide solid leadership to Richmond College, and I am pleased that he has agreed to assume this interim role,” commented Steve Bisese, vice president for student development.

Howard is acting director of CCE

Amy Howard will serve in 2006–07 as acting director of the Center for Civic Engagement. She was associate director of the center. Howard will take on administrative responsibility for the center while   director Doug Hicks is on administrative leave from the CCE concurrent with his  faculty sabbatical leave.

Howard holds an A.B. degree with honors in history from Davidson College and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in American studies from the College of William and Mary. She also holds a certificate in documentary filmmaking from The George Washington University.

Provost June Aprille said, “At Richmond Amy has played a foundational role in establishing the CCE’s service learning, programming and research initiatives. She has served as a member of the Common Ground Action Committee, is heading up the Civic Engagement House and has taught in the history department. She was recently recognized by Rhetoric and Communications Studies with their 2006 ‘Voice of the University’ award.”