Willamette Academy Task Force created

by Erin Dahl,

The new committee will help redesign the academy’s offerings.

A task force of Willamette student, faculty and staff representatives is charting a new course for Willamette Academy, which helps underrepresented youths pursue a higher education.

Marlene Moore, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and vice president of Academic Affairs, says changes within the Salem-Keizer School district pointed to program modifications at the academy. The revisions are intended to help the academy better serve more students.

During the next two months, the task force will engage students, trustees, faculty, staff and community stakeholders to draft its recommendations.

The committee’s recommendations will be guided by the university’s core values and the objectives and priorities outlined in the university’s strategic plan. Developed in partnership with the Salem-Keizer School District and Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, they will build on existing relationships and be based on a sustainable funding plan. The recommendations will also shape the hiring process for the academy’s new executive director.

Kelley Strawn, associate professor of sociology and chairman of the Multicultural Affairs Committee, is chairing the task force. Rita Moore, who conducted the program review and has worked extensively with the Salem-Keizer School District, is serving as the liaison and advisor from Academic Affairs.

The other committee members are Shamir Cervantes ’16, president of the Associated Students of Willamette University (ASWU); Eric Lassahn, director of Community Service Learning; Emily Drew, associate professor of sociology; Ellen Eisenberg, professor of history and member of the Budget Advisory Committee; Sarah Kirk, faculty associate dean for Faculty Development and professor of chemistry; and Christine Shanaberger, director of Foundation Relations.

“I am confident that the program assessment and planning process will result in a vision and implementation plan that will put the program on a firmer foundation, one that builds on our relationship with the Salem-Keizer School District,” said Dean Moore.

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