John Sirois '91, former assistant director of admissions, was named acting director of the Native American Program last week.
On Monday, Sirois took over the position left vacant by the resignation of the former director Leisha Connors at the end of May.
Connors resigned after only eight months on the job, citing "personal reasons" as the cause for her departure.
Sirois will serve as acting director during the search for a permanent director for the Program. The search is scheduled to begin in the fall.
"I'll be involved in the search for a new director, but I won't be in charge," Sirois said.
The Program is a support program for Native American students at the College. The director's position is one of a counselor and liaison.
"It's an interesting position, it's actually pretty broad. I'll work closely with Native students and with various departments on campus. I serve as an advocate for Native students," Sirois said of his new duties.
Sirois served as assistant director of admissions since Aug. 1993, where he was responsible for the recruitment and the enrollment of Native American students.
Before he returned to the College to work for admissions, Sirois was an Indian Education Coordinator in a Washington, D.C. school district and a grant reviewer for the Department of Indian Education in Washington, D.C.
While a student at the College, Sirois majored in history with a certificate in Native American Studies and served as vice president of Native Americans at Dartmouth.
"I was involved [in Native Americans at Dartmouth] as a student, and really looked up to the Native American Program director as a mentor, someone who inspired me. I certainly never thought I'd be in the position. I enjoy the chance to give back to the Native American community and the College," he said.
In a July 7 press release announcing Sirois' appointment, Senior Associate Dean of the College Dan Nelson stated, "John brings to his new assignment experience in and commitment to Native American education, a great deal of familiarity with the College and the Native American Program in particular, and the benefit of his perspective from admissions."
Sirois said, "I'll serve as a resource to help Native students get in contact with the offices and programs, and to help them take advantage of Dartmouth."
Sirois said he expects to hold the position for about a year. The new Native American House, located at the former Occom Inn on North Main Street, is scheduled to be completed this fall. The house will house16 students Fall term.
"The new Native American house is under construction, so we'll have an opening ceremony for that. We're also working on a Colombus Day program," Sirois said.
"We'll definitely be very active. It looks to be an exciting year," he said.
