Dr. Cheryl Presley to step down as VP for Student Affairs
CHESTNUT HILL, MA (4-24-07) --Vice President for Student Affairs Cheryl Presley, whose warmth, caring demeanor and unwavering faith in BC's undergrads endeared her to students, has announced that she will be leaving Boston College at the end of the academic year to pursue other professional interests.
Presley, who has served in her position for nearly seven years, announced her decision to Students Affairs staff and to fellow administrators on Monday.
"After more than six successful and productive years as Vice President for Student Affairs at Boston College, I want to share with you the news of some exciting professional changes ahead for me. I have advised Fr. Leahy that at the close of this academic year, I am leaving Boston College to pursue other professional aspirations and interests. Although I will continue to have a commitment to university life and student development, other challenges and activities will form the foundation of the next chapter in my life. I am confident that the administrative transition will be smooth for students, staff and colleagues throughout the Boston College community," said Presley.
Presley stated that she was "deeply grateful" for the gifts and blessings she received during her years at Boston College, and proud of her legacy that was the product of much collaboration with many talented and dedicated people in the Student Affairs division.
"I trust that my work at the University will live on in the future as I carry with me cherished memories of friendships, experiences and achievements," said Presley.
In accepting her resignation, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., thanked Presley for her dedicated service and commitment to the needs of BC's 8,900 undergraduate students. "Cheryl is a special person who cared deeply for BC's students and worked hard to make their experience as positive and rewarding as possible," said Fr. Leahy. "I respect her decision to pursue longstanding professional interests, and wish her the very best in her new endeavors."
Executive Vice President Patrick Keating offered similar praise. "I have never worked with someone who put more of her heart and soul into her position than Cheryl," said Keating. "She will be missed at Boston College."
Presley arrived at the Heights in 2000 from Colorado State University where she had served as associate vice president for student affairs. During her tenure at BC, Presley was credited with expanding outreach to students and strengthening the University's commitment to student formation. She also moved Student Affairs forward in critical areas including program development and assessment, diversity initiatives, and faculty collaboration. Among the major accomplishments of her vice presidency were the opening of the Volunteer Service and Learning Center, the establishment of the Vice President's Undergrad Advisory Council and the creation of Allies in support of gay and lesbian students.
"I am proud of how I have worked with students and student organizations and how we as a division have been responsive to their needs," said Presley. "I also am proud of our work in student formation and how Student Affairs is working closely with the Office of Mission and Ministry and the Provost's Office to more fully actualize one of the key initiatives in our strategic plan."
Presley counts among her most unforgettable experiences the University's response to September 11, and how her staff and others reached out to comfort students in the aftermath of the tragedy, as well as the dedication of the labyrinth in memory of the 22 BC alumni who lost their lives in the attacks. Most recently, she cites the response of BC students to the tragedy at Virginia Tech and the solidarity they have shown with their fellow students in Blacksburg as a memory that will stay with her forever.
"I am proud that I was at BC and worked with really dedicated colleagues and impressive students," said Presley. "It is never easy to leave because of the many friends and wonderful colleagues I have met here, but I ask people to be supportive of my decision."
Among the many who will miss her leadership, guidance and friendship is Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Sheilah Shaw Horton. "Cheryl has consistently listened to students, asked the difficult questions and brought their best ideas, varied opinions and deep concerns to the appropriate venue for resolution. She has modeled the implementation of student formation and encouraged staff formation as well," said Shaw Horton.
"In addition, Cheryl has strengthened the profession by supporting the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Undergraduate Fellows program. Six years ago she encouraged one student to apply; now the program boasts four or five fellows annually. These are young people who seek the student affairs profession largely because they see her as a strong role model. Indeed she is a mentor to many staff, alumni and students and clearly leaves a legacy of accomplishments, caring and courage for all of us to emulate."
Presley said that she wants to do some writing over the short term and pursue some research interests before embarking on her new professional aspirations, and that she is looking forward to the challenge, while also preparing to say goodbye to her many friends at Boston College.
"Being part of the BC family will always hold a special place in my heart," said Presley.
Fr. Leahy has asked Shaw Horton to serve as interim vice president, effective June 1. A national search for a new vice president of student affairs will be conducted over the summer. It will be chaired by Keating.