Theo alum joins Campus Life staff

A two-year long search for a new Dean of Campus Life and Student Affairs ended as Drew University welcomes its newest addition to the administration, Sara Waldron (T’85).

On March 15, Waldron will take over for current Interim Dean of Campus Life and Student Affairs Ginny Samuel, who is returning to her former position as Associate Dean for Contextual Learning at the Drew Theological School.

Waldron graduated from the Theo School with a Masters in Divinity, and has worked in higher education for the past 20 years.

Prior to accepting the position at Drew, she worked in several positions at Hood College and, most recently, as the Associate Dean of Students at American University.

"At this point in my life and career, I am ready to step up to the next level of responsibility in terms of my administration and my work within higher education," Waldron said. "When I saw the opportunity come up at Drew and the scope of that position,…it really matched very well with my previous experience and my portfolio so far."

According to Waldron, she is also looking forward to being in a liberal arts environment, as Drew has a smaller student body than American and a "more intimate setting."

Waldron expressed excitement to return to her alma mater.

"I got so much out of my Drew education and benefitted, not only in terms of my intellectual development, theological development and spiritual development, but also as a person," Waldron said. "Coming back to Drew gives me an opportunity to give back and hopefully enrich the campus in a different way, and also the lives of students and others who are there. That’s a dual process and in my giving back, I know I also will get a lot back from the institution. So, it comes full circle."

Waldron explained that she plans to bring her past experiences working with students to Drew.

"My whole purpose is to support students in whatever way we can," she said, explaining that she plans to help students in their intellectual exploration. She explained that she plans to develop great relationships with students, faculty and other staff at Drew, as those relationships are important to the success of the community.

Samuel, who is returning to the Theo School, explained that she worked in the Seminary for almost 28 years before University President Bob Weisbuch offered her the position in the College of Liberal Arts.

She explained that her position was always meant to be temporary.

"I only saw myself as the interim," Samuel said. "The primary reason for that was that just before [Weisbuch] asked me to consider this position, I had written and received a grant for $200,000 to create a Center for Clergy Health and Wholeness in the Seminary. I got the grant and said yes to [Weisbuch], knowing that I’d have to go back there and spend that money."

Samuel said the center will hold programs, classes, workshops and retreats to reach out to the clergy and "lead them to greater health instead of greater disease."

In response to why she temporarily left her Theo school position after receiving the grant, Samuel said she was willing to put the grant on hold for the opportunity to work in this environment.

"I love the [college] age and I love seeing people grow and wrestle with themselves… It’s just a wonderful time of exploration and growth," she said.

According to Samuel, her obligations to the Seminary and the church are further enhanced by the fact that she has been an ordained minister of the Methodist Church of 35 years.

"Clergy health is really very poor across faith traditions. Also, I never did feel like I was finished working in the Seminary with students who were going to go into ministry," she said.

Samuel expressed that the incidents from the fall semester did not in any way contribute to her leaving.

"The incidents that happened last semester were very troubling," Samuel said. "But, those incidents only made me care more and be more concerned. They didn’t drive me away…I do not want a single student in the CLA to think, ‘She doesn’t like us.’ No, I do! I love you very much."

On the subject of leaving, Samuel said, "I know March 15 is coming, but I’m not going to think about it because it’s going to be very hard for me. I have such affection and respect for [my colleagues]. They welcomed me with open arms… I will be gracious for the rest of my days for this opportunity."

Student responses showed support for Samuel’s contributions to the CLA, as well as anticipation for Waldron’s arrival.

"She handled the quiet hours situation very well. The way she handled students and responses was very patient and approachable, not intimidating. A new dean would have to put in a lot of time and effort to get to that level of comfort and understanding with the students," Vasantika Isadas (’11) said.

"I think Samuel did a really great job at being Interim Dean," Mike Chevinsky (’10) said. "She’s always smiling and waving to people on the path. She’s very approachable."

"I had dinner at her house the other night," Nick Klein (’13) said. "I’m kind of sad because I felt like I knew her."

Samuel explained her connection to Waldron—she became acquainted with her during her time at the Theo school.

"She was a student at Drew and I remember her fondly…She will do a fine job. She’s very caring, very bright," she said.

"I’m excited to meet Waldron but I’m graduating, so I’ll only have two months with her," Chevinsky said.

Shamila Kohestani (’12) said, "I’m very excited to see the new dean has a lot of experience. I think she might bring new policies that can make our school better."

Waldron said, "Everybody that I’ve come in contact with has been just very welcoming and warm and has made me feel very welcome and wanted. It’s just a nice, wonderful situation to be walking into and I’m really looking forward to getting up there, and meeting…students and faculty on campus."