Karen Lange, a longtime member of the St. Thomas community, has been appointed as vice president of student affairs.
Lange worked as Dean of Students until last January when she became Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. Now, Lange said, her core focus in her new job is the same it’s always been: to make a difference in the lives of students.
“I am really, really excited about this,” Lange said. “I’m very excited to be in this role at this time. I’m excited to make a difference in the lives of students. I’ve been able to do that in other roles, so I’m confident I’ll be able to do that as the vice president for this division.”
Lange came to St. Thomas in 1986 and has worked with the children of her former students at St. Thomas. It’s these personal relationships that keep her going, according to Interim Dean of Students Madonna McDermott, a friend and close colleague of Lange.
Even though Lange’s position in student affairs has less direct contact with students, McDermott said she doesn’t think this will keep Lange from building personal relationships.
“There’s lots about her and her personality and skill set that make her a great leader,” McDermott said. “Knowing her, she’ll find a way to make sure that’s part of her role. I have no doubt about that. That’s what energizes her – the interaction with students.”
During her years at the university, Lange has served in multiple positions and departments, including 13 years as Dean of Students. While she’s seen lots of change, Lange said one thing has stayed the same at St. Thomas – the faculty and staff’s devotion to students.
“One of the challenges will be making sure I’m still in touch with students and hearing students’ voices and being able to share student voices with the upper administration and provost,” Lange said.
Lange said she will work to continue to interact with students, as well as to expand into her new role. Her immediate goals are to ensure cost-effective programs, to continue to foster an inclusive and diverse environment at St. Thomas and to close the gap between the local and international student communities.
“I’m really excited about making sure that we have services and programs ready and available for all students and making sure students feel like their voices are heard,” Lange said.
Lange was selected from a large pool of candidates by a search committee made up of students, faculty and staff including McDermott. Most of the candidates were from outside St. Thomas, according to McDermott. Lange underwent the same Skype interview process as the other candidates, and McDermott said she was the best fit for the position.
“It wasn’t about wanting somebody internal,” McDermott said. “It was about finding the best candidate – somebody with previous work experience, skill sets, a match with the mission and passion for the work.”
Additionally, McDermott said Lange’s extensive familiarity with St. Thomas will help guide a largely new staff.
“We have a lot of new people at the upper level which is great. Lots of new energy and ideas,” McDermott said. “It helps to have someone who has been at the university for a number of years to know what we’ve been through as a university, what’s worked, what hasn’t worked. That brings a lot of value.”
Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4637@stthomas.edu.