Devin Smith, a newly hired graduate assistant, will focus on diversity programming in the Student Affairs Department, said Dean of Students Levi Esses.
“What Devin’s going to be specifically doing is to look at minority students and try to plan and promote cultural awareness programming and multiculturalism on campus,” he said.
Esses said the new position was something he felt there was a need for when he first came to Newman in January 2015.
“We need to have someone to focus on diversity,” Esses said. “I’m excited about it. People are already getting along with him great.”
Smith, who has been at Newman a little over a week, said he knew Esses from Bethany College in Lindsborg where Esses served as associate dean for Student Development and director of First Year Initiatives.
Smith graduated from Bethany in 2015 with a double major in biology and forensic science and aspirations to go to medical school. Smith said he will now be working toward his master’s degree in business, while also figuring out how his new position will fit into Student Affairs.
“Since it’s a new position we’re trying to go with the flow,” he said. “I’ll be working with Lauren [Director of Student Activities Lauren Fontarum] and Megan [Graduate Assistant in Student Activities & Intramurals Megan Hemel], making sure minority students feel comfortable around school.”
Smith said he served as a resident assistant at Bethany and he’s glad to have a bigger role in campus life.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the Newman community and my door is always open,” he said.
To contact Smith call 316-942-4291, ext. 2212, or email [email protected].
