Jones begins RA search
After recently completing its search for a college coordinator and with its master search ongoing, Jones College has begun its third RA search in two years.
Jones Resident Associate Scott Wray, an assistant director of aquatics and outdoor recreation programs, announced he will leave Rice at the end of the semester. Lisa Bryan, a former Hanszen College master and a former assistant director of admission, started work as Jones’ new college coordinator Monday.
Jones selected two new RAs in Spring 2004 and chose current masters Robin Forman and Ann Owens in Spring 2002. Jackie White, who was college coordinator for 32 years, retired March 25.
Jones President Breck Garrett said he does not think the turnover at the college will cause any serious problems.
“This just isn’t how we anticipated things going, but I think it’ll be fine and things will work out,” Garrett, a junior, said. “It’s sad, but it’s also kind of exciting to have new people come in. But [the changes] all kind of hit at once.”
Wray announced his decision to resign as RA in a message sent to the Jones listserv March 25. A search committee, chaired by Jones sophomore Patricia Mahoney, was created Sunday. Mahoney is in the process of selecting six more students for the committee, which will include Jones RA Bridget Gorman as a non-voting member. The committee intends to name a new RA in three to four weeks, Mahoney said. Forman, a mathematics professor and the dean of undergraduates, sent a message announcing the opening to the all-departments listserv Monday. As of Tuesday, six applications had been requested.
Mahoney said although the search is beginning late in the semester, she is confident the committee will find someone appropriate for Jones.
“Initially, I was worried, but now I’m positive that Jones is going to come together and form a great committee,” Mahoney said. “What we’re aiming for is an active, vibrant and outgoing person, but that could all change with the committee.”
Since no other college has conducted an RA search this year, the applicant pool should be strong, Garrett said.
Wray accepted a tenure-track faculty position at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. in the sports, exercise and health sciences department. Wray said the classes he will teach at Meredith are similar to those he has taught at Rice.
Wray said leaving Jones was one of the hardest parts of his decision.
“I’ll miss the students and being involved at Jones,” Wray said. “It’s been a big part of my life the past year that I’ve been an RA. I have a lot of close relationships with a lot of the students.”
Wray said the college has been supportive and understanding of his decision to leave.
“They’re sad to see me go, but they recognize that career opportunities like this don’t come along often,” he said.
Garrett said he will miss Wray’s enthusiasm for Jones.
“Scott came in and immediately had a whole lot of Jones spirit,” Garrett said. “He just went out to a lot of events and got to know most of the people. He’s a cool guy to be with, and you could count on him to be around.”
Wray also put handmade birthday and holiday cards in students’ mailboxes, Garrett said.
Bryan named Jones coordinator
Bryan and English Professor Dennis Huston served as Hanszen masters from 1992-‘98.
Bryan said she heard about the position when she was contacted by another college coordinator who thought she was well-suited for the job.
“The thing I loved about being master was being with the students,” Bryan said. “I was in [the Admission Office] until last Monday. The thing I missed was the direct contact with the students.”
Garrett said Bryan has met many students in a short time.
“She’s awesome — the people on the committee did a great job,” Garrett said. “I think the effort she’s made to reach out to students and her outgoing nature will work really well with the Jones population.”
Forman and Owens headed the search committee that selected Bryan. Brown College Coordinator Nancy Henry, Jones sophomores Bernadette Turegano and Emily Yeomans, Jones junior Liz Fritts, Gorman and Wray also served on the committee. Forman and Owens narrowed the pool of 40 applicants to four finalists, whom the committee considered.
“What set Lisa apart from the other three finalists was her deep knowledge of the college system and her experience in the colleges,” Forman said. She has a deep love and enthusiasm for the residential college system and for undergraduates, and brings with her a joy for the position we just thought would make her the perfect fit for Jones College.”
Yeomans said she was impressed with Bryan’s enthusiasm.
“I think that she’s going to add a lot to Jones,” Yeomans said. “[White] had been here a while, and I think [Bryan will] be a new face to bring new ideas to Jones.”
Bryan has shifted the hours of the Jones office by coming in and staying later to better suit student schedules.
Forman and Owens plan to hold a reception in the Jones Masters’ House to formally introduce Bryan to the college.
Other news stories
- Browne named alternate for Watson, Matuzek wins Zeff
- Coffeehouse renovation designs almost complete
- Martel listed on eBay in Willy Week jack
- Rao elected SA treasurer, eight Honor Council positions filled
- Rice joins in videoconference with Sri Lankan Distance Learning Center
- Written course evaluations not online for registration
Sports
- Buttacavoli named Golfer of the Week
- Individuals shine for Owls at UH invite
- Men's softball playoff teams set
- New doubles teams lead women's tennis
- Owls take Silver Glove, look to move up in WAC
- Robinson sets record
Arts & Entertainment
- Enough: My J.Lo-induced overdose
- Girls' guide a flimsy attempt at self-help
- Media Center showcases French director Assayas
- Narrative problems make for a faulty 'Ballad'
- Sudsy romance thwarts politics in 'Country'