Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president for student life and dean of students, will leave ACU at the end of this week to move on to a similar position at Faulkner University. Dr. Jan Meyer, executive director of the Center for Christian Service and Leadership, will take over for him in an interim capacity.
Anthony Williams, chief business services officer, will chair a search committee that will find Thompson’s permanent replacement. Williams said the committee will review and select applicants who are best qualified for the job description.
Meyer said Dr. Allison Garrett, executive vice president of the university, asked her to take the interim position late last week. Garrett told Meyer that Meyer could expect to be in the interim position for anywhere between 6 and 12 months, depending on the search committee’s progress.
“The search takes as long as it takes,” Meyer said. “I’m up for the duration.”
Meyer said she’s already worked in many different areas of Student Life, so she’s familiar with the office and what it deals with.
“Most of the things asked of the vice president or dean of students, I have been connected with in the past,” Meyer said. “I feel pretty confident that I have some experience with any issues that come up. It’s the unknown that gives me a bit of pause.”
Meyer said she will try to balance this interim position with her current position in the CCSL.
“Our team is experienced, collaborative and committed to a common mission, so I am confident that during this interim assignment many of the things we do will continue just as they have been planned,” Meyer said. “I will continue to oversee a few of our initiatives.”
Meyer met with Thompson Tuesday morning to discuss focuses for her time as his interim replacement.
“He has challenged me to be a better leader by giving me a desire to lead with compassion and graciousness,” Meyer said. “He’s encouraged me along the way as my supervisor. I’ve really appreciated that and grown from that experience.”
Student Life gave Thompson a farewell reception Tuesday afternoon in the Living Room in the McGlothlin Campus Center.
Meyer said she will consider applying for the permanent position after learning more about it while serving as interim.
