News Flash from Dean Bandas
In the fall of 2012, DOS began to consider ways to reorganize itself in terms of both structure and process in light of a number of purposes. Considerations of reorganization were based upon the strategic task force reports that were published in the spring of 2012. Reflection upon these reports led to efforts to improve internal communications, flatten the organizational structure to reduce hierarchy, and to better coordinate major and “signature” programming to reduce scheduling conflicts, minimize programmatic redundancy, render programming more coherent and conserve human and fiscal resources. Further, after our division met with Brett Sweet and Richard McCarty, DOS conducted its reorganizations with an eye to supporting the Provost’s financial sustainability initiative by reducing costs and enhancing revenues.
It seems that once movement begins in an organization it continues almost of its own volition. Celeste Sagi, Director of Arts and Creative Engagement, has informed us that she will leave Vanderbilt on May 3, in order to join her husband who has accepted a position in the business school at UNC. While she’ll be close to her family in NC, she deeply regrets having to leave ACE and the wonderful colleagues she has come to know in just a few months. Celeste has impressed us all with her focus, creativity, and leadership. We thank her for her all-too-brief service to Vanderbilt. Celeste, we will miss you.
Rather than post the ACE director’s position, we have decided to move the ACE staff and programs into the Sarratt group under the leadership of Dwayne Elliott. Dwayne will be Director of a new unified office of Campus Student Events, Arts and Creative Engagement. David Heustess, Kelvin Amburgey, Cindy Young and the ACE Student Design Team will join Annetta Pickett, Linda Marks and Bridgette Kohnhorst under Dwayne’s leadership. Dwayne has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities in event and arts management and is both excited by and well prepared for this new leadership opportunity and expanded area of responsibility. Dwayne will assume his new responsibilities on May 1; he and Celeste are already working on a smooth transition. Dwayne, please accept our congratulations and appreciation for your willingness to take on this new challenge.
Moves such as this one enable DOS to assert that we are working smarter, are mindful of budget concerns, are sustaining the exceptional programming provided by our staff and are empowering staff members to grow professionally. This is what the Chancellor’s One Vanderbilt movement is all about – making optimal use of our talented staff and resources to become more effective and efficient.
Change presents us with new opportunities and new challenges; it may also raise some new questions. If you have questions about any of these changes, please feel free to bring them to me or any of the DOS senior leadership. We’ll be happy to talk with you.