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(Editor's note: Shifting directions, from full time teaching to an administrative role, is a common career decision for many seasoned academics. In the Sept. 20, 1996, issue of Home Pages, we profiled Calvin in a story called "Preventing 'wannabes' from becoming gang recruits." We invite you to read that story on line. In upcoming issues we'll be reporting on a number of new appointments around the campuses.)
"Being a former high school teacher, coach and counselor, I enjoy being out with the students. The Office of Student Affairs is here to nurture the students. We should nurture our students academically, socially and otherwise," explains Richmond Calvin, an IU South Bend education professor who recently assumed the position of acting vice chancellor for student affairs.
He will supervise the offices of Enrollment, the Registrar, Admissions and Freshman Division. Calvin's introduction to his new administrative role was final registration. He feels the flex hours currently exercised by student services is a step in IUSB's mission to be student-centered.
"Many of our students work," Calvin said. "And the flex time has helped us better assist those people."
Flex time is typified by extended service hours and by on-going registration.
Calvin's first priority will be filling vacant student services positions or those held in acting capacities. He also hopes to develop personnel in student affairs to enhance the registration process.
"We have to find ways to meet the needs of our students during registration. This is a very tense period for both parents and students," he said.
Calvin also believes athletics at IUSB is a priority and must become a part of student services and the campus culture.
"We need to make athletics usable and enhance it for all students," he said. "We need to look at various ways to expand athletics to get more students involved."
Calvin began his tenure at IUSB in 1972 as director of the career opportunities program.
He has been teaching classes in counseling and human services since 1990. He also served as a part-time psychotherapist for Madison Center and Hospital. An expert in youth gangs, Calvin has taught workshops for the past three summers to Michiana educators and social work professionals on recognizing and responding to youth gang influence. Calvin also is a nationally recognized expert concerning multiculturalism, school administrators and children's psychological issues.
Calvin feels his shift from the classroom to the administration will continue to benefit IUSB's students. He readily admits he will miss the classroom but hopes to continue interacting with the student population.
"With my personality, I'm student oriented," Calvin said. "I'm going to really miss the workshops, the teaching and going to the schools. But I do want to get out and meet the students. It will be tough to meet all groups, but I love doing that."
Throughout Calvin's career, he has been an active member of Michiana, serving on boards and task forces for various issues affecting youth and minorities. He also has been on Memorial Hospital of South Bend's board of directors since 1997.
Calvin was named the Eldon Lundquist Faculty Fellow in 1990, a fellowship which honors a member of IUSB's faculty for teaching, scholarship and service to Michiana. He also received IU's W. George Pinnell Outstanding Service Award in 1990.
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