Chris Roellke appointed new dean

Stephen Cheng Staff Writer

Associate Professor of Education Christopher Roellke has been chosen to succeed Professor of Economics Alexander M. Thompson III as the Dean of Studies. Thompson, who resigned the post last spring, will formally step down by July 2007.

According to the Dean of the College Web site, the Dean of Studies oversees “the Committee on Student Records, the Committee on Readmission, the Committee on Fellowships, the Committee on Leaves and Privileges, and the Academic Panel.” Each term lasts five years, at which point a review committee evaluates the Dean’s performance for possible renewal.

Roellke, who has been at Vassar for eight years, holds degrees from Wesleyan University and Cornell University. He currently serves as Chair and Associate Professor of Education, Director of Academic Facilities Development, Director of the Urban Education Initiative and Director of the Ford Scholars program.

Last spring, responding to news of the position’s vacancy, Roellke submitted his application. He was evaluated by a search committee that consisted of Dean of the College Judy Jackson, three faculty members, and three students. The committee sent its proposal to President Catharine Bond Hill who made the appointment.

Roellke believes that his experience as the Urban Education Initiative Director made him most attractive to the search committee. “That program focuses on giving education enrichment opportunities to students in Poughkeepsie and New York City,” said Roellke.

Although he plans to teach, Roellke does not expect to do so until the third year of his term. “The learning curve will be steep,” he said.

Roellke outlined three goals for his new position: improving the Learning and Teaching Center’s programs, working more directly with the residence halls in forming residence-based outreach, and promoting opportunities for community-based learning. Overall, he aims to make the Dean of Studies position “[a]n accessible office that is a resource to students. Always.”