By Nate West
News Editor
Rick Trietley, former vice president of Student Life, was promoted to the Vice President of Student Affairs position by University President Sister Margaret Carney, O.S.F., over the summer.
The first official announcement came came at the same time the Student Life division was renamed to Student Affairs.
“I’m very excited and honored to have this opportunity,” Trietley said. “We’re going to continue to move forward and try to make the experience for all of our students as good as possible.”
September 1 was Trietley’s first official day in the position. Sister Margaret first announced the promotion at the 2013 Convocation on Wednesday, Aug. 22.
Trietley’s new position comes with a three main changes including the name change. The second is he now reports directly to Sister Margaret. He formerly reported to Michael Fischer, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
The biggest change, according to Trietley, is that he now oversees the entire Department of Athletics.
“I’ll oversee the entire operation,” he said. “The Department of Athletics will report to me now.”
The Department of Athletics used to report to Fischer before the change. According to Trietley, this is beneficial for both him and Fischer.
“We feel it’s a very good move for both athletics and Student Affairs,” Trietley said. “It’s really going to allow us to engage student-athletes like never before. It will also allow me to engage with them much more on a day-to-day basis, to be more visible, to get more involved in what our teams are trying to do. It also allows Dr. Fischer more time to focus on all the new academic programs and changes we’re trying to make.”
Trietley said he and Sister Margaret had been discussing about a promotion for the past few years. Two years ago, Trietley co-chaired the Strategic Athletic Plan, which he says helped his case for the promotion.
“How familiar I got with the whole athletics operation from participating in the year-long review, it really out me in a good position to assume these responsibilities,” he said.
Trietley said he believes it’s beneficial for the students and Sister Margaret that he now reports directly to her.
“It was very important to me and very important to Sister Margaret that the leader of Student Affairs report directly to her,” he said. “She has a better understanding of the issues and trends of students. It also allows her the opportunity to better tell the story when talking to donors and alumni.”
The other areas of the Division of Student Affairs Trietley oversees are: Residential Living and Conduct, Campus Safety and Security, Judicial Affairs, the Center for Student Wellness, the Career and Professional Readiness Center, the Damietta Center and the Center for Activities, Recreation and Leadership. He is also the primary advisor to the Student Government Association.
Trietley said each year, the divisions look to develop and improve, and they have each of the past few years. He hopes this year is no different.
“We spend a great deal of time critiquing ourselves, reviewing what we did last year and how we can improve our services,” Trietley said. “We have a good plan going into this year.”
