Community reflects on Cole-Newkirk's accomplishments

In the wake of Dean of Student Life and Services Charlene Cole-Newkirk's resignation on Monday, many students, faculty and staff have reflected on her tenure at Oberlin - especially her accomplishments.

The accomplishments that were stressed included Cole-Newkirk's restructuring of the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC), her oversight of changes in the Office of Security and her support of people of color. Students, faculty and staff named many other achievements as well.

Many students described Cole-Newkirk's relationship with people of color as one of her most important roles on campus.

"Now that she's gone, the support of black students and people of color is low," senior Melody Waller said. "She was working very closely with people of color communities. She helped a lot of students academically."

Carmen Mitchell, OC '95 and African-American intern at the MRC, described the role she saw Cole-Newkirk as playing at Oberlin. "A number of students saw her as an activist dean, particularly for black students of color," she said.

According to many, Cole-Newkirk's relationship with alumni groups was also a strength. Cole-Newkirk worked closely with the Lambda Association and was instrumental in organizing a Black Alumni reunion in Spring 1997.

In addition to general reflections about her accomplishments and relationship with people of color, more specific actions were cited as positive and important.

"I know Dean Cole was instrumental in getting new computers for Afrikan Heritage House," senior Andrea Clarke said. "She even did small stuff, like eliminating the cover charge for the 'Sco. I know she did a campus-wide survey to gauge student feelings about the meal plan."

"She improved the quality of student services," President of the College Nancy Dye said.

One of those student services some named was her oversight of changes in the Office of Safety and Security. "I could go on and on," Director of Safety and Security Keith James said when asked to name positive influences Cole-Newkirk had in the Office of Safety and Security.

James named the bike patrol, the escort service and the system of officer patrols as changes that stemmed from Cole-Newkirk's ideas. He also said the proposed community bike fleet was one of Cole-Newkirk's concepts.

Director of Human Resources Ruth Spencer listed a number of important things Cole-Newkirk accomplished as Dean. "She attempted to strengthen and review the judicial committee," Spencer said.

Spencer also named the Wilder Hall improvements and positive changes made to a number of dorms.

Dye also mentioned student housing as an area to which Cole-Newkirk contributed. "She called attention to our need for more contemporary living spaces," she said.

Many students and staff remember Cole-Newkirk's reconfiguration of the MRC in the Fall of 1995 as one of the most important things she did as Dean.

"She was instrumental in reconstructing the MRC so it was effective and there was a clearer definition of purpose and more outreach," Clarke said.

Waller said, "She revamped the MRC. It was horrible before she came and she turned it around."

Dye pointed to Cole-Newkirk's administrative role: "I think she made many contributions, including some very good hires," she said.

Assistant Director of the Student Union Chris Baymiller agreed that Cole-Newkirk hired efficient staff. He called Associate Dean of Student Life and Services Bill Stackman a "very positive and stabilizing staff member."

Baymiller also said Cole-Newkirk was able to divert funding to the Student Union for programming and improved the building - two things he thinks have helped the Student Union.