The Department of Residence Life has a new director but it’s heading in the same direction, officials say.
Cindy Helman became acting director of Residence Life in January, following the death of former director Ann Bolger.
“We are all grieving the loss of Bolger, which was quite a shock for all of us,” said Kate Murphy, assistant director of Residence Life.
“We are all committed to carrying out the vision that Ann had for the development of the department.”
In her 18 months at MSU, Bolger implemented several changes to Residence Life including converting the resident assistant program into the mentor program, which began last fall.
Bolger died suddenly Dec. 5 after one or more blood clots dislodged, blocking the flow of oxygen to her bloodstream. She was 43.
She was in the process of restructuring the entire Department of Residence Life, emphasizing new core values. One of her goals was to bring a scholarly approach to the department and last summer she convened a summit to look at residence life nationwide.
Lee June, vice president for Student Affairs and Services, said Helman is an ideal candidate to direct the department.
“She has been a long-time employee within the unit and she’s well in tune with some of the changes and new innovations we’ve been making over the last year,” he said.
“She’s an ideal person to continue that momentum and to give the Residence Life program high visibility and competency throughout the remainder of this year.”
A national search will be conducted to fill the position permanently, June said.
“My hope would be that we’ll be able to fill the position by fall semester,” he said.
Helman was not available for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Department officials say they feel confident the department will continue its development when the position is filled permanently.
“That person will also want to implement their own vision,” Murphy said.
“But I think that we are moving in a very positive direction so I can’t imagine that person would want to make major changes.”
A group of people who attended the first summit planned by Bolger will return this summer to reflect on the department changes and make new plans.
“Ann was a very participatory director, so I think she would probably be looking down on us and saying we’re doing okay,” Murphy said.
