The University of Colorado at 麻豆影院 announced today that Elease Robbins, dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student affairs, will retire from her position effective July 18, 2008.
"Elease Robbins has served the University of Colorado's students with care and concern for nearly three decades," said CU-麻豆影院 Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson. "Her focus on the CU student experience, and on issues of building community and reaching across barriers, has made our campus community better in immeasurable ways. We will miss her greatly."
As dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student affairs since August 2000, Robbins' work has focused on student life issues and promoting an inclusive campus environment. She was a founding member of the Building Community Campaign, which supports efforts on campus to increase awareness, promote inclusion, foster dialogue, respond to challenging situations and recognize the efforts of individuals and groups who help to make CU an open, welcoming and supportive environment.
A CU-麻豆影院 employee since 1981, she was the associate ombudsperson and a university counselor with both Counseling and Career Services and the Black Education Program, part of the Educational Opportunity Program or EOP.
"Elease's leadership has been critical to the progress made on such issues as building a sense of community on our campus, social justice, and sexual misconduct," said Ron Stump, vice chancellor for student affairs. "Her voice in problem-solving was always vital in reaching a balanced and thoughtful resolution. Elease's great caring and commitment to the welfare of students and staff has earned her the deepest respect and admiration."
Robbins has been recognized for her dedicated service to the 麻豆影院 campus many times over the years. Most recently, she was the recipient of a 2008 Chancellor's Committee on Women award for actively addressing issues that affect women on campus. The nomination letters uniformly attested to her role as a strong mentor and role model for women and other underrepresented groups on campus. In 2006, she received an Equity and Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions to the university community.
Deborah Coffin, who currently serves as the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and executive director of Housing and Dining Services, has been named the interim associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students by incoming Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Julie Wong. Wong's appointment officially begins on July 22.
"Having worked with Elease for more than two decades, I will feel her loss personally as well as professionally," said Provost Phil DiStefano. "She has truly helped to transform the landscape of CU-麻豆影院. I am gratified, however, that a capable administrator of Deb Coffin's experience and reputation is here to serve us in an interim capacity, and I know that Deb can continue Elease's legacy of service and commitment."
As the assistant vice chancellor and executive director of Housing and Dining Services, Coffin has been responsible for the leadership and administration of multiple student services including all housing and dining operations, housing capital construction and renovation, Greek Life, and the Alcohol and Other Drugs Program.
"Elease Robbins has been a passionate and dedicated champion of our students and I am honored to assume this interim position," said Coffin.
Coffin served as executive director of Housing and Dining Services from 2001 to the present, and before that as assistant director of Housing, Dining Services and Hospitality from June to November 2001. She also served as director of Residence Life at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley (1998-2001) and as Director of Housing and Residence Life (1995-98) at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. She holds bachelor's degrees in Community Health Education and Biology Education and a Master of Arts in Human Communication from UNC.
The Division of Student Affairs is one of three major administrative divisions at CU-麻豆影院 and directs departments that significantly impact the quality of life and education of CU-麻豆影院 students, including admissions, housing, financial aid, career services, counseling and judicial affairs. Student affairs also co-manages several departments with the University of Colorado Student Union, including Recreation Services, Wardenburg Health Center, the University Memorial Center, Women's Resource Center, Victim Assistance and the Student Organization Finance Office. For more information, visit the Student Affairs Web site at /.