The search committee for director of Student Life has completed its work and has recommended Dr. Jennifer Massey for this position. President Gary Kachanoski has accepted the recommendation and has approved the appointment.

Dr. Jennifer Massey comes to Memorial from Baylor University in Texas, U.S. At Baylor, Dr. Massey served as assistant dean, Student Learning and Engagement, and as an adjunct professor. Prior to her role at Baylor, Dr. Massey was director, research and assessment, Graduate Student Life and Career Services, at Queen’s University.

Along with her studies in philosophy and urban political geography, Dr. Massey has worked in various academic and administrative roles in research, planning and student affairs, and in support of undergraduate and graduate students, including at the University of Windsor. She is originally from the U.K. and earned a BA (hons.) from Kings College London; a MA from the University of Illinois; and a PhD from Queen’s University.

Dr. Massey will report to Dr. Cecilia Reynolds, deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president (academic) undergraduate studies.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Massey to this important role within the newly realigned portfolio of the Deputy Provost (Students),” said Dr. Reynolds. “She brings expertise and extensive experience working with both undergraduate and graduate students in a number of related areas. In particular, in new student experiences/orientation, Aboriginal awareness programs, emergency preparedness, living/learning teams and student civic engagement.”

The overarching goal of the portfolio realignment is to improve student success inside and outside the classroom. Administrative structures and functionalities in the Deputy Provost (Students) portfolio are being realigned in order to enhance student supports, optimize the use of existing resources and create synergies in the delivery of supports.

Student Life integrates a number of areas, including Career Development and Experiential Learning, Answers and leadership programs, International Student Advising, the Aboriginal Resource Office, the Glenn Roy Blundon Centre for Students with Disabilities and the Student Support and Crisis Management unit.

Dr. Massey will begin her appointment as director, Student Life as of Sept. 1, 2015.

Karen Kennedy has been serving as interim director of Student Life since December 2014.