After five years at her position as coordinator of Student Activities and Organizations, Mauri Westbrook will retire to raise a family as a stay-at-home mom.
Westbrook said she was excited to be raising a daughter but was also sad to be leaving.
“ACU will always hold a special place in my heart, but this is the best thing for our family,” Westbrook said. “I’ve been involved with so many fun and exciting things like Beach Bash, Sing Song and all the social club activities, but the best part is working with students with what they’re passionate about.”
Westbrook graduated from ACU in 2002 and then returned in 2006 to become coordinator of Student Activities and Organizations.
“My husband and I were moving back to Abilene and we found out this position was becoming open,” Westbrook said. “I knew I loved ACU, and this job fit my interest and skill and it was just one of those perfect opportunities where I could do what I loved.”
Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for student life, said Westbrook’s retirement was bittersweet.
“We are thrilled she has chosen to take some time and be with her family, but we will miss her here,” Thompson said. “It’s hard to replace a Mauri. She has just done so much to help the students here on campus. Hundreds of social club activities have gone through her and she’s done an amazing job.”
Mark Jackson was selected to replace Westbrook as the new coordinator of Student Activities and Orgnizations. Currently Jackson is the assistant director of Intramural Sports and will be starting in his new position on May 2 at the latest.
Jackson graduated from ACU in 2002 and then spent 6 years at Southwest Christian Schools. While there he served as a campus minister and freshman Bible teacher as well as coaching various sports.
While working with intramurals Jackson worked closely with many of the social clubs but said that he’ll be working even closer with more groups in his new position.
“I’ll now be working with several student groups on campus like social clubs, SHADES, Hispanos Unidos, Essence of Ebony and more,” Jackson said. “I’ll be working with those groups and their leaders to make sure their goals are being met and they’re being an integral part of ACU.”
Jackson is shadowing Westbrook to be ready to take over as soon as Westbrook’s baby arrives.
“I’ve already started working with him and teaching him what’s going on, even though he hasn’t officially started yet,” Westbrook said. “The plan right now is for me to work right up to the due date then stay home and raise a family.”
