Deborah Tyson, former director of housing and residential education at the University of Denver, was named the new associate dean of residential life and director of residential education Thursday.
Tyson said she is very excited to begin working with the Dartmouth community.
"I am thrilled! Dartmouth has an excellent reputation and a beautiful campus," Tyson said. "The students with whom I have had the privilege of speaking have been engaging and pleasant and the staff is caring and student-centered."
As director of residential education, Tyson will be responsible for student life in residential facilities, which includes the undergraduate advising program, community directors and all affinity housing.
"In essence, she is in charge of everything except maintenance and custodial services in the residence halls," Dean of the Office of Residential Life Martin Redman said.
Tyson said she hopes to use her experience with diverse student populations and "the co-curricular mission" of a residence hall system, to strengthen residential life at Dartmouth.
Accepting Dartmouth's offer meant leaving her position at the University of Denver, which she held for seven years. Tyson said there were several reasons why she decided to come to Hanover.
"I felt at home immediately upon setting foot on Dartmouth's campus and felt a sense of community," Tyson said. "In my interviews I met staff and colleagues who had a sense of humor, which is very important to me, and a professional understanding of our role as educators."
Tyson's hiring is the culmination of a nationwide search process that took place during the winter and spring terms, led by Redman. The process began in January, when the College placed ads online and in several higher education journals.
A small steering board was created to assist Redman in the hiring process and the committee eventually selected six candidates to bring to Hanover for extensive interviews.
According to Redman, the committee immediately recognized Tyson as an experienced and talented candidate.
"She has more than 15 years in this field and has been in a similar position for the past seven years at the University of Denver," Redman said. "She believes firmly in helping Dartmouth create a residential program that assists all students to be successful here academically and socially."
Tyson was interviewed by 27 different members of the Dartmouth community, including students, faculty and other staff members. Despite the thorough process, Tyson said she enjoyed the interviews immensely.
"The interview process was pleasant and engaging," Tyson said. "Those who participated in the interviews asked great questions and I was made to feel welcome as both a colleague from another institution and a prospective hire."
Tyson was notified by Redman in early June about Dartmouth's job offer.
