ON THE HILL
DOUG THOMPSON NAMED INAUGURAL VICE PRESIDENT FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION In the newly created role on the
Pell Grant-eligible students to navigate
President’s Cabinet, Thompson will lead
and overcome barriers on their path
diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial
to a bachelor’s degree. Previously, he
justice strategy and alignment across
served as the Assistant Dean for Equity
the College; chair the President’s Council
and Inclusion at the University of West
for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and
Florida and provided academic advising
manage a team of professional staff
and student support services at Cardinal
charged with building a welcoming and
Stritch University. Thompson grew up
and inclusion efforts at Gustavus,”
supportive campus for all Gustavus
in New Orleans and holds degrees from
President Rebecca Bergman says. “I look
students, faculty, and staff. He will also
Southeastern Louisiana University, Seton
forward to his thoughtful and capable
work to grow the College’s reach and
Hall University, and Cardinal Stritch
leadership in this vital position.”
impact, building and strengthening local,
University, where he earned a doctorate
regional, and national partnerships.
in leadership for the advancement of
interview process is that this community
learning and service.
is highly engaged and collaborative,”
Since 2017, Thompson has served as the Associate Dean of Students at the
“Dr. Thompson has significant experience in a variety of higher
working with all stakeholders to build
Family College, a two-year program that
education settings that will inform his
trust and advance the work of diversity,
focuses on preparing first-generation and
holistic work advancing diversity, equity,
equity, and inclusion.”
Vicki Domras, print and mail services Linda Gibbs, custodial service Mary Gunderson, registrar’s office Donna Hewitt, admission Shirley Mellema, Linnaeus Arboretum Joe Pope, campus safety Ronald Rietz, mathematics, computer science, and statistics
Martha Rivas, custodial service Diane Stocker, advancement Todd Stolt, campus safety Rita Tlougan, dining service Gail Thorson, custodial service JoAnn Vaughn, custodial service Kristi Westphal, registrar’s office Diane Wilson, custodial service Janine Wotton, psychological science Sheryl Youngblom, advancement
Congratulations and thank you to all. Deb Andros, dining service Patty Brandt, custodial service Gail Brandt-Otero, custodial service Diane Christiansen, acquisitions, Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library Duane Clementson, physical plant Laurent Dechery, modern languages, literatures, and cultures
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2021
Thompson says. “I look forward to
University of St. Thomas’s Dougherty
2020 AND 2021 RETIREMENTS
4
“What was evident during my
“ I’m most proud of my students and their success after graduation. I learned from them just as much as they learned from me.” —professor emeritus Bruce VanDuser, health and exercise science
“Watching students come in, helping them to see their DREAMS COME TRUE to get a college education, and then graduate four years later—it’s been extremely gratifying.” —Doug Minter ’79, retired dean of financial aid
I’VE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO HELP CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS. THANK YOU, AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU.” —professor emeritus Mike Hvidsten, mathematics, computer science, statistics
