Reorganization announced for Student Affairs/Academic Support

Eileen Coughlin, vice president for Student Affairs and Academic Support Services, has announced a restructuring within her division as a result of the resignation of Director of Student Outreach Services Tom Nerini. He has accepted a great opportunity in Sedona, Ariz., as the admissions director for an exclusive high school.  Nerini has been with Western for the nearly nine years, both in Admissions and in Student Outreach Services.

“Tom is a nationally recognized leader in policies and services related to undocumented students in addition to his passion for the retention of at-risk students,” Coughlin said. “Western students, faculty and staff will miss Tom and hope to keep in touch with him as he leaves a great mentoring legacy at Western.”

Coughlin said that, due to the timing of this vacancy and the importance of Student Outreach Services in reaching institutional goals, it was important that the position be filled with an experienced leader who could continue current directions.

After careful review of possibilities, it was determined that an internal restructure was the best option for replacing the director’s role.

Renee Collins, who has been at Western since 1988 and who has experience in Human Resources, Academic Advising and the Dean of Students area, has agreed to accept this director’s role as well as retaining responsibility to work with the Ethnic Student Center and student leadership development. Sherry Mallory, special assistant to the Vice President, has agreed to provide leadership for the Student Life, conduct, and emergency management/crisis intervention roles. Mallory has been appointed to the title of Associate Dean of Students for that purpose. Both Renee Collins and Sherry Mallory will report to Dean of Students Ted Pratt.

This restructure is a no-cost impact to Western and allows the division to maximize the strengths of the current professionals as well as allowing for conducting a national search for the vacated position of special assistant in the Vice President’s office. This position has been revised to reflect changes in the structure in which Mallory will provide continued involvement in some major divisional directions.

The new structure becomes effective mid-October but will take some time to fully implement.

“Please join me in congratulating Tom Nerini on his new opportunity and in welcoming Renee Collins and Sherry Mallory to their new roles,” Coughlin said.