Meet the New Vice President of Student Affairs

Conversation with Andrew Coston

On October 3, Andrew Coston, Ed.D., started a new chapter in his career by becoming the college’s new Vice President of Student Affairs. Within the first few weeks of his arrival, ElmsNews met with Andrew to see how he was settling in and get his ideas on the future. Elms Magazine: Welcome to Elms and thank you for taking the time to meet with us. First off, how are you doing so far? Andrew Coston: I am happy to say that I am doing well so far. The first few weeks have matched my expectations and more. The students, faculty, and other members of the college community have really made me feel welcome.

EM: When you were considering this position, what most interested you about Elms College? Vice President of Student Affairs Andrew Coston, Ed.D. Andrew: As I considered this position, the thing that most interested me was the sense of community that Elms seemed to have. Through the interview process, everyone talked about it and I could tell that they meant it. I also liked the fact that Elms is a small college. The work that we do in student affairs is even more impactful when we know our students and their stories. There is more opportunity to do that at a smaller college. EM: What are the top 2-3 priorities you want to focus on in your first year? Andrew: I have spent my first month on campus getting to know as many students, faculty, and staff as I can. I will continue to do that in order to build the relationships that will be necessary to help us to achieve our goals. I have several priorities for this year. Within the next few weeks, I would like to hire a residence life director and begin the process of expanding residence life programming throughout the year. Building student engagement on campus will be another priority this year. I also want to provide additional support for our commuter and non-traditional students. EM: What expertise or skillset do you hope to bring to the Elms community? Andrew: I have over 20 years of experience in student affairs and I have had a broad range of experiences including senior administration, student conduct, academic advising, coaching, career services, Title IX, and multicultural student affairs. I have also taught students in the classroom as an adjunct faculty member. These experiences have helped me to understand the needs of students in and outside of the classroom. I recognize how the departments in our division need to work together and with other members of the college community to help students be successful. I am very optimistic and I can also work well with a variety of people. I am a team builder. I feel that these qualities will serve me well in my position as Vice President of Student Affairs at Elms. EM: Knowing that you have been here only a few weeks, what is your favorite part of campus thus far? Andrew: My favorite place on the campus so far is the Keating Quadrangle. It is a hub of activity at times with people moving from one place on campus to another. It is also a social space where people are often stationary, sitting by the fire pit or at tables, or sometimes standing in conversation. It is an event space, used by various members of the college community to communicate with students. It is a place where people gather for many reasons. I have met several faculty, staff, and students there during my first month at Elms. There is very often a sense of community there that I enjoy. Thank you Andrew for taking the time to meet with us. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you around campus and on the Quad!

James Vassar ’06 was awarded the Sr. Margaret James McGrath Distinguished Alumni Award by Elms College President Harry E. Dumay, Ph.D., MBA, at Reunion this past summer. Vassar, a graduate of Elms College's social work program, is a Lieutenant in the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections. In this capacity, he implements the T.R.U.E. program, the number one ranked program in the nation for prison reform by the Department of Justice and National Institution of Corrections. The T.R.U.E. program stands for “Truthfulness to oneself and others; Respectfulness toward the community; Understanding ourselves and what brought us here; and Elevating into success.”

As high school students considering nursing programs, Chynna Pacheco ‘23 and Mia Rotatori ‘23 each quickly decided Elms College would be right for them. Chynna, age 22, of Springfield, and Mia, age 21, of Naugatuck, Connecticut, said the size of the Elms nursing program, and close relationships faculty foster with students would be more beneficial than enrolling in some larger program at some larger school. “I choose Elms because it is the smallest,” Chynna said. “I learn best in small classrooms, and I like knowing my professors.” Mia said she did not want to be another anonymous student in a 100-seat classroom. The Elms gave her a chance to get to know her professors, and they to know her. “I know that when they see my face, they know my name,” she said. It was one of those close, multigenerational relationships – involving students, faculty and alumni – that led to Mia and Chynna being selected for a unique summer internship at one of America’s most desirable vacation sites. They spent last summer working alongside nurses at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, a critical access, not-for-profit community hospital providing care for residents of the island and hundreds of thousands of visitors. Alumna Martha Riley Bischoff, ‘87, a long-time nurse at the hospital, arranged for two paid internships for Elms nursing students. She said it was her way of repaying the college for launching her nursing career. “I am the nurse I am because of the incredible foundation I received from the Elms School of Nursing,” she said. “This internship opportunity is a way for me to give back and help young nurses begin their career.” She left it to the faculty to select the two recipients, based on class standing, ability and work ethic, and the potential to grow from the experience. That led to faculty choosing Chynna and Mia. Mia and Chynna said the experience at the hospital was invaluable. “We were able to go with the nurses and see what they do more on a day-to-day basis,” Chynna said. She said it gave them a chance to experience what she called “a real nurse’s schedule” or three 12-hour shifts followed by four days off. Off time on the island was spent at the beach, sightseeing, and eating at restaurants. “I didn’t save any money but I don’t regret it,” Chynna said. Mia said her favorite part was the ocean view. “One day we watched the sun rise, then spent the day, and then watched the sun set,” she said. Each said their entire experience was possible only because of the close and lasting relationships Elms creates with students, alumni and the community.

Mia Rotatori ‘23, age 21 Naugatuck, Connecticut and Chynna Pacheco ‘23, age 22 Springfield, Massachusetts.