Gianna Hayes and Julia Garrison
News Editors
On Aug. 16, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Cliff Bobbitt addressed the student body in an email that outlined shifts in multiple administrative offices. The most notable position changes for current administrators included former Assistant Athletic Director Libby Ladrach who will serve as the Acting Athletic Director for the upcoming academic year, long-time Assistant Director of Campus Security Kevin Cooper will serve as the Interim Director of Campus Safety, while former Director of Campus Safety Joe Kirk has taken a new role in the Dean of Students office as the Assistant Dean of Students. Former Associate Dean of Students Melissa Chesanko has taken on a new role in the Wellness Center as a Counselor.
For former Assistant Director of Campus Safety Kevin Cooper, becoming the interim director of campus safety is something he is excited to take on. His former role consisted of day-to-day operations overseeing dispatch and patrol, serving as the liaison between the director and staff. His current position expands his former role’s responsibilities, as he now oversees all functions of campus safety and campus access offices.
“It is on me to set the vision and strategy for the offices and to be accountable for the successes and failures of the department,” Cooper explained. He expressed excitement about his larger presence in emergency planning for the College.
New faces in the dean of students office include Britta Kuenzli, case manager for student support and outreach and Chelsea Polly, civil rights and Title IX coordinator. The office of residence life has three new members: Audrey Holder, Josie McAninch and Trey Samuelian. The three new assistant directors of residence life each represent and support a “zone” on campus that refers to certain dorms within a given area. Gabby Hiller also joined the office of student engagement as the Assistant Director of Student Engagement, serving mostly as the administrative liaison between Fraternity and Sorority Life and administration.
Chelsea Polly, the College’s new civil rights and Title IX coordinator sat down for an interview with the Voice Sept. 26, sharing her background pre-Wooster, details of her day-to-day job and how students can reach out for support. Previously the Title IX coordinator at The University of Akron and Franklin University, she immediately began working within Title IX after graduating with a law degree from University of Virginia-Wise.
“I always knew I wanted to be in that field, and my mom is a faculty member on the college campus that I actually ended up going to, so it just sort of makes sense,” Polly explained, emphasizing her history as someone from a rural area and her connection to Wooster students by proxy.
“I know where the disconnect can happen between a liberal arts campus being in a small town, and I like to be able to provide the experience of having grown up in that situation and having functioned in that situation.” Polly is “here for anyone going through a moment in crisis,” not strictly civil rights violations or Title IX related issues.
“Not only does she have a lot of experience and knowledge surrounding Title IX policy, but she is also deeply passionate about sexual violence prevention education,” says Rachel David, Polly’s colleague in the dean of students office who serves as the director of community health promotion. “I am looking forward to collaborating with Chelsea to continue programming on campus that will educate our community on consent, safe relationships, sexual health and bystander intervention. Chelsea’s background and knowledge will be a huge asset to the College.”
“Chelsea brings extensive knowledge of Title IX and federal and state laws and regulations, and we are excited to have this important role back on campus in a full-time capacity to deliver essential programming and trainings, and provide advocacy services, among many other things,” explained Dean Ashley Reid, the associate vice president of student affairs and Polly’s supervisor. “The office of Title IX has transitioned into the division of student affairs to provide a closer connection to support resources and create opportunities to enhance our collaborative efforts with multiple offices and committees across campus. Chelsea is an ideal partner in this effort.”
Polly can be reached in her office in the Wellness Center, available for walk-ins. Students can also reach out through email to cpolly@wooster.edu.
