Celestino Limas Resigning for VP Job at Lafayette College

April 14, 2011

Provost Jane Atkinson announced today that Dean of Students and Chief Diversity Officer Celestino Limas will leave his position in June to become Vice President for Campus Life and Senior Diversity Officer at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

“In his three years at Lewis & Clark, Celestino has been a tireless advocate for our students and has contributed in valuable ways to the quality of their experience at Lewis & Clark,” Atkinson said.

“I want to personally thank Celestino for his impressive work on behalf of the campus community,” President Barry Glassner said, “and congratulate him on his new position. We wish him every success.” 

Glassner and Atkinson praised Limas for his many accomplishments, including the development of on-line classes for the parents of first- and second-year students; his work to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke through the establishment of designated smoking areas; his contributions to the heightened visibility of varsity athletics and their integration into campus life; and his efforts to advance diversity on campus and to better connect the College with communities of color in the Portland area.

Atkinson said that two current members of the Student Life staff—Tricia Brand, associate dean of students/director of multicultural affairs, and Jeffrey Feld-Gore, associate dean of students—will share interim dean responsibilities until a permanent appointment is made.

“Tricia and Jeff each bring valuable professional experience and distinctive skill sets to this collaboration,” Atkinson added. “I am confident that under their leadership, Student Life will not only thrive, but also continue to advance in important ways that benefit our students.”

Planning for a national search for a Dean of Students will begin immediately, with the goal of bringing candidates to campus in the fall.

Scott Fletcher, dean of the Graduate School of Education and Counseling, will serve as interim chief diversity officer after Limas’ departure.