After a seemingly futile search to fill the new Multicultural Center director position, the possibility of kicking off the new academic year with someone in the driver’s seat is now a reality.
An informal group in charge of discussing the hiring, composed of the summer remnants of the hiring committee, ASUO officers and various representatives from different student organizations, were left with two options.
The first option was to leave the position open and plan on a spring hire, leaving an additional year to expand the search. The second was to create an interim position for director, which would provide leadership for the students during the school year, but allow flexibility to continue the search for a permanent director.
But a surprising turn of events has put the near future of the position back to square one, and again establishes the goal to have the position filled in time for fall.
Erica Fuller-Schindler, a doctoral student from the University of Florida, was one of the original applicants for the position. After presentations, interviews and discussions, the committee named Fuller-Schindler as first choice. However, for personal reasons, she declined the position.
This past week, Fuller-Schindler notified the committee, expressing her interest again in the position. An informal group including representatives from the ASUO, Office of Multicultural Affairs and the hiring committee met Wednesday to discuss further progress.
“I’m very glad the search is coming to a conclusion, and I anticipate the students will be very happy as well,” said Randy Choy, Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
The strengths discussed in Fuller-Schindler’s candidacy included her prior work with students and an overwhelming support from the University student constituents.
With her reapplication, Fuller-Schindler was informed the current opening is now for an interim director, rather than a permanent director.
“Erica understood that we’re looking for an interim director, and would love to fill it,” said Peter Larson, a representative from the ASUO.
Another benefit of the possibility of hiring Fuller-Schindler that was discussed was the availability to make the transition from interim director to permanent director without conducting another full-fledged search.
According to Larson, if Fuller-Schindler filled the spot and it was decided there was an interest in her continuation into a permanent position, the documented paperwork from the previous national search would be sufficient.
If selected, Fuller-Schindler’s plans for the MCC would be to serve as director for a period of five years, before opening her own organization to work with mothers who demonstrate financial need.
“Additional people need to be consulted,” said Director of Student Activities Greg Lobisser. “My goal is to make this hire at the soonest possible point, hopefully before the week is out.”