Spring ’06 brings about administrative changes to SU

According to the theme of Student Affairs, “Preparing minds for the millennium, by touching lives, building futures and making a difference in the lives of our students,” could not be possible without proper leadership.
This has resulted in new administrative changes for faculty in the Department of Student Affairs over the past few months.
Lynn Dickerson, formerly the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs has been named the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Dickerson’s appointment was given after former Vice Chancellor Of Student Affairs, Dr. Raymond Downs, succumbed in December of 2006.
Twyana E. Cain was also promoted and named Interim Director for Student Programs in the fall of 2006.
Previously serving as the Coordinator of International and Commuter Students, Cain is now the primary advisor to the Student Government Association. She is responsible for all SGA programs including Homecoming and Springfest. She is additionally responsible for Greek organizations on campus and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
“I basically have to be present at everything,” Cain said.
Russell Frasier previously held the Director for Student Programs position, but is now currently working on his Doctorate degree out of state.
Before becoming Interim Director for Student Programs, the 1996 Mathematics graduate began her work career on the Baton Rouge campus in 1997 when she worked for the Motorpool department. After an opportunity with the Department of Revenue, Cain became the Secretary for the Student Programs Office.
In 2002, she was promoted to the Coordinator of International and Commuter Students.
“The reason I am here now is because of Mr. Terral Jackson,” Cain said. “Everything I learned, I learned from him.”
Cain said she has new responsibilities, but was prepared for the position because she already knew the functions of the office. “I am very pleased with both Lynn Dickerson and Ms. Cain. There is no question we have good people in place,” said Edward Jackson, chancellor for SUBR. “The programs will run efficiently and I am very happy to call on them.”
Cain said she is looking forward to her new position.
“I’m happy to be here,” she said. “I plan on being here for a long time.”
With Cain’s appointment, Helen Rutledge was also promoted, serving from Assistant Director to the Student Union to now the Coordinator of International and Commuter Students. She also is the director of the Southern University Homecoming Parade, an event she has worked with since 2003.
“I am very excited about working with our International Students,” Rutledge said. “At the moment I am in training, but I am enjoying it and looking forward to making sure that the International Students are on the right track.”
With her appointment however, Rutledge said cooperation is most important in the office.
“This is a team effort,” she said.
Jackson said through these appointments, people will be assured of how the Office of Student Affairs works and students will become more familiar with its functions.
Additionally, the university is in the process of searching for two Vice Chancellor positions, but that will be conducted through the Board of Supervisors at the appropriate time, he said.