Meet the candidates for VP of Student Affairs
Andrew Blasi and Chad Shank |
Last Updated:4/22/09 Section: News
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Current professor at Texas A&M
Vice president for student affairs at Texas A&M (2004-2008)
Interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the UNC- Chapel Hill (2002-2004)
Associate vice chancellor for student services at UNC-Chapel Hill (1998-2002)
Ph.D. in higher education finance from the University of Arizona.
VAI: To what extent do you believe the Student Assembly should make important event decisions verses the Office of Student Affairs?
Without knowing more about what is being referenced by "event decisions" it would be difficult for me to offer an informed response. In general I consider student input and involvement in university policies to be a critical aspect of a campus environment. I've always encouraged that type of involvement and relationship with student leaders, and I think that better decisions result when students are part of a "shared governance" college environment.
VAI: Is there anything that Sam Sadler did or did not do that you will now halt or start to carry out?
From what I've heard and observed, Sam Sadler established a strong and long-standing reputation for his commitment to and relationship with students. Both figuratively and literally he defined the position of Vice President for Student Affairs at the College of William and Mary, and it would be an honor to step in to such a role. I would certainly want to continue and extend that commitment, and would look forward to learning more about the College and how best to serve the campus community.
VAI: Do you believe the honor council election process at the College needs reform?
To be honest I don't know enough about the honor system election process to offer any opinion.
VAI: What will be your highest priority as the next VPSA?
As suggested with my previous responses, I'd want to as fully as possible learn, understand and extend the commitment and impact that Sam Sadler exhibiting in defining the role of the vice president for student affairs. My first priority would be to learn everything I could about the College of William and Mary and the members of its campus community. I'd also want to demonstrate the visibility and accessibility that I believe is critical to being a successful Vice President for Student Affairs.
Ángel Martínez Loredo
Associate Dean of students at Maine (1999 to present)
Director of the Office of Multicultural Services at the University of Houston Clear Lake (1995-1999)
Coordinator for support programs and Hispanic student affairs of the Department of Intercultural Education and Minority Student Affairs at Southern Methodist University (1990-1995)
Master's degree in liberal arts from Southern Methodist.
VAI: To what extent do you believe the Student Assembly should make important event decisions verses the Office of Student Affairs?
A strong relationship should exist between the Student Assembly and Student Affairs. Having a healthy relationship is important to have honest communication, because listening to the issues concerning students is vital, and collaborating to resolve them is essential.
VAI: Is there anything that Sam Sadler did or did not do that you will now halt or start to carry out?
It is always fortunate to build new programs on a strong foundation. Developing new programs that meet the needs of students is paramount, and being present and available for students will be one of my priorities that engage students to campus.
VAI: Do you believe the honor council election process at the College needs reform?
I believe it is important to have policies in place that take into consideration the current students experiences and needs with ample impute from all stakeholders. The election process is one of its kinds; the question to consider is if the process allows excess to the students seeking to be elected.
VAI: What will be your highest priority as the next VPSA?
The highest priority is to develop an environment for students that offer excellent services and programs that complement the College mission and that provides opportunities for students to become engaged in civic engagement projects. What is one specific thing you hope to accomplish? I hope to develop opportunities for students to become active on campus. Whether that opportunity is serving on Student Affairs committees, taking a leadership role in campus issues, or participating in social service initiatives I hope to develop a strong relationships with students by being available to listen and work together with students.
Statement to the community:
I am very excited to be a finalist for the VPSA position at William and Mary because of the possibility to work with students who have a national reputation as leaders in academics and in their community by providing countless hours of service. The division of student affairs is exceptional in developing excellent programs and services that meet the needs of students. Thus with the combination of wonderful students, excellent academic programs, I look forward to providing leadership that brings together William and Mary's strengths to graduate student as leaders not only in their field of study, but as leaders to teach others societal responsibility.
Virginia Ambler
William & Mary's interim vice president for student affairs (since June 2008)
W&M assistant vice president for student affairs (2001-2008)
W&M assistant to the vice president for student affairs (1991-2001)
Ph.D. in educational policy, planning and leadership from William & Mary.
Ms. Ambler declined to comment for this story.
Margaret A. Jablonski
Vice Chancellor for student affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill (2004-present)
Dean for campus life at Brown University (2001-2004)
Associate vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Connecticut (1999-2001).
Ed.D. in administration, training and policy studies from Boston University
Ms. Jablonski did not respond to requests for comment.
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