Interim Dean of Students named

Kurt C. Holmes. Photo courtesy of linkedin.com.
Kurt C. Holmes. Photo courtesy of LinkedIn.

A new year brings new faces, and this August, Ohio Wesleyan is welcoming more than just freshmen to campus.

Kurt C. Holmes, former Dean of Students for The College of Wooster, will be joining OWU for the 2015-­2016 academic year.

After Craig Ullom stepped down as vice president of Student Affairs, former Dean of Students Kimberlie Goldsberry was chosen to fill the vacancy. That left her position unfilled.

Holmes saw the job listing and jumped at the chance.

“After 14 years with The College of Wooster, I had an opportunity which doesn’t come along very often in administration,” Holmes said. “Faculty have ‘sabbaticals’ which allow for a battery recharge, professional development and career growth. You have to be more creative in administrative roles.”

Holmes will have a part time role on campus. “I will typically be on campus three days a week, including some time in residence overnight,” he said.

Holmes will also provide daily service to students and will provide feedback about OWU to the administration, given his unique perspective.

“President Rock Jones and Vice President Goldsberry have asked that I serve in some ways as a consultant in residence,” Holmes said. “I bring an experienced, outsider’s view to campus and can hopefully offer some useful observations.”

Jones echoed this statement. “He is widely recognized for the quality of his work with students and for his positive impact at Wooster,” Jones said. “We are fortunate that he is available to work in a part-­time role at Ohio Wesleyan this year.”

Though Holmes is not entirely sure what this year will bring, he does have one specific goal to accomplish. “I have a request for the whole student body; I hope to get to meet and interact with as many of you as possible,” Holmes said. “But with so many new names to learn, please introduce yourself more than once.”