David Greene, interim vice president for campus life and student services, has been hired by the University to remain in that position, effective July 1. After a national search, Greene was chosen for the position by a committee of students, faculty and administrators.
President Ruth Simmons appointed Greene her executive assistant when she came to Brown in July 2001. In May 2003, he was named interim vice president.
Greene's position gives him oversight over a range of University offices and departments, including the Office of Residential Life, the Department of Athletics, Dining Services, Health Services and the Third World Center. Greene will also continue work on elements of the Plan for Academic Enrichment that relate to campus life, including planning for a campus center.
"This job is fundamentally about doing everything I can to ensure students have an excellent experience at Brown," he said.
This year, Greene initiated campus center planning, established a 24-hour study space in New Pembroke 4 and approved plans for dorm renovations and the creation of satellite fitness facilities this summer. Next year, a second 24-hour study space will be opened in Faunce House and the space in New Pembroke will be fully renovated.
Greene said one of his first steps will be to "formalize support" for Brown's LGBT community by moving the Queer Alliance Resource Center into a larger space. The Queer Alliance moved into its current space in Faunce House earlier this semester but has already outgrown the facility, according to Greene.
In terms of dining, Greene said students will have greater flexibility next year once designated meal times are eliminated. Meal choices will also increase, with more fresh fruit and organic produce available in dining halls, he said.
The Campus Life Advisory Board, composed of students and administrators, will continue to advise Greene on ways to improve student housing. The advisory board will also address student concerns about issues such as gender-neutral housing and the peer counseling programs, he said.
In an open letter to the community announcing Greene's appointment Wednesday, President Ruth Simmons called Greene "an individual of integrity and deep compassion and a talented strategic thinker."
Lei Wang GS, who served on the search committee, said Greene was selected because he had more experience working with university administration than any of the other 90 candidates. The committee also looked for a candidate students could trust and respect, Wang said.
Greene, who obtained a Ph.D. in education from Harvard University, has since held senior administrative positions at a number of colleges, including Smith College, where he served as Simmons' assistant.
Greene said his position gives him as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.
"Brown is at a major point in its history in improving education," he said. "I'm excited to play a role in this time of great change."
