Listen Here
By Pulse Staff
Johnathan Ferraro, University of Findlay Associate Vice President for Student Life, sent an email Friday afternoon detailing some restructuring efforts at the University that also explain the recent absence of high-profile positions on campus.
The former director of the University of Findlay Buford Center, Chris Caldwell, was recently let go from that position as part of the restructuring effort for UF. On Feb. 4, Ferraro announced the retirement of Sharinda Welton, director of student activities commuter services and leadership development, who had been a part of the UF community for 24 years.
Ferraro’s email explained that the Office of Student Activities, Commuter Services, and Leadership Development will merge its services with the Buford Center.
“With the recent structural realignment, we understand there have been questions regarding whom to approach for specific assistance within Student Affairs,” Ferraro said in the email. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as we have navigated this process, and we are now pleased to share the new organizational structure with everyone.
“The combined offices will create the Buford Center for Campus, Community, and Global Engagement to better reflect the scale and diverse range of work and programs it will offer.”
Current Director of Recreational Services Bryan Golding will serve as the Senior Director of Campus, Community, and Global Engagement.
“Drawing on his years of experience at UF, (Bryan) will continue to oversee recreational services and provide guidance and oversight for this new office, while also supporting Student Organizations and Advisors, as well as Greek Life,” Ferraro said.
Maria Guarneri, the current Coordinator of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, will serve as the Assistant Director of Leadership and Belonging, and “be responsible for creating and implementing programming and events that help students develop and enhance their leadership skills while fostering a culture of belonging for our entire campus,” according to the announcement.
Current Coordinator of Service and Community Engagement Alex Parker will serve as the Assistant Director of Campus and Community Engagement. “He will continue to facilitate community service initiatives and work with the Student Activities Board (SAB) to provide programming and events on campus,” Ferraro said in the email.
Current Coordinator of International Education Elizabeth Pino will take on the role of Assistant Director of International Education and Global Engagement and oversee study abroad programs and collaboration with academic programs and international partners.
And Assistant Director of Recreation Services Dean Richardson will maintain his current role “with an increased focus on Intramural Programs and Club Sports.”
The Buford Center for Diversity and Service was dedicated in honor of the late Desmond (Des) Buford in 2008. Buford was the Executive Director of Intercultural Student Services for five years before his sudden passing.
