Dear LMU Community,
As many of you may know, Nathan Sessoms, Ph.D., has resigned from his position as director of the Office of Black Student Services (OBSS). This was a huge loss for the university and his presence will be missed. However, we wish Nate the very best as he begins the next phase of his journey. Accordingly, our search for the next director of OBSS is underway. Lisha Maddox, director of Student Success, has graciously agreed to serve as the chair of the search committee. The other members of the committee are listed below, and we are grateful for their time and service. They are committed to finding a thoroughly qualified candidate. Our goal is to have someone hired and in place as soon as possible.
Please view the job posting and share it widely in your networks and circles. I will keep you updated regarding the search and I appreciate your support. There will be ample opportunities for you to meet the candidates and provide feedback.
In the meantime, Ethnic and Intercultural Services (EIS) has hired Ryan Hopkins ’20, as a program coordinator, to assist with programming and student support. For a list of upcoming events, please visit the OBSS LEO page in the near future as we gear up for fall 2020. The entire EIS staff is working closely with OBSS to ensure that the Black community’s needs are met and honored.
We have assembled a dedicated search committee, consisting of faculty, staff and students:
Director, OBSS – Search Committee Members
- Lisha Maddox, Chair, Director of Student Success
- Stefan Bradley, Professor, BCLA Coordinator for Diversity/Inclusion Initiatives
- Deana Cooke, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate
- Patrick Furlong, Associate Director in the Center for Service and Action at LMU
- Dezmin Hemmans, LMU Student – Junior
- Maryanne Huepperman, C.S.J., Associate Director Center for Reconciliation and Justice
- Samara McCardell, LMU Student – Senior
- Aristotle Moiser, EIS – Director of Asian Pacific Student Services
- Francesca Piumetti, Associate Dean of Students, Chief Conduct Officer
- Tracey Shaw, Assistant Director / Training Coordinator Student Psychological Services
- Jennifer Williams, Assistant Professor of African American Studies
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, concerns or possible candidates.
Sincerely,
Henry Ward
Senior Director, Ethnic and Intercultural Services
