May 22, 2008

Celestino Limas named new Dean of Students at Lewis & Clark

(Portland, Ore.)—Celestino Limas has been named the new Dean of Students.

(Portland, Ore.)—Celestino Limas has been named the new Dean of Students. An experienced educator and administrator, Limas comes to Lewis & Clark from Carroll College, where he serves as chief student affairs officer and dean of students.  He will join the college on July 1.

Limas will oversee the strategic development of the residential campus and all student life programs and activities. In addition, as a member of the Executive Council, he will lead efforts to strengthen diversity among students, staff and faculty, and enhance learning and working environments for people from all backgrounds.

“Dr. Limas brings a valuable theoretical grounding to his work and an innovative approach to student and academic programming,” said Vice President and Provost Jane Atkinson. “Just as important, it was obvious to us during the interview process that he is genuinely interested in thoughtful engagement with students, staff, and faculty alike.”

Limas brings a unique combination of experience in student life and teaching. He has taught courses and presented papers on student development and leadership, sociology and higher education law over the course of his career. He also created and taught an innovative online course for parents, Your Student and You: Turning Change into Growth in the First Six Months of College, designed to help parents transform relationships with their children once they head off to college.

Limas has also served as a strong advocate for students of color and the hearing impaired community. He said that higher education offers a great opportunity for cultural exploration and addressing issues of diversity.

“I believe we owe it to students to shepherd them through issues such as cultural competency because the identity development process is so robust during the college years,” Limas said. “For Lewis & Clark students, the opportunity for cultural exchange exists from across the globe to right in Portland. Developing one’s cultural identity, no matter what your heritage, allows for a more in-depth exchange of knowledge and can lead us away from tolerance and towards appreciation.”

Limas earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in special education from the University of Nebraska, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Oregon.