In searching for a new master of Butler College, University deans Kathleen Deignan and Nancy Malkiel conducted years of interviews with numerous candidates.
They sought someone who is "deeply committed to undergraduate education," has a good track record and cares about students, said Malkiel, dean of the college.
After completing the process, they decided on Lee Mitchell, the Holmes Professor of Belles-Lettres in the Department of English and last week announced that he will become Butler College master beginning July 1.
As a senior fellow at Rockefeller College, Mitchell was considered a qualified candidate.
"This is an unusual process to appoint a college master because it often takes years of consideration," Malkiel said. "[We] look for interest and experience with the colleges . . . [and] involvement in the life of the University."
Mitchell said he was "delighted" when he heard the news a few weeks ago.
"Things like this tend to be not so sudden," Mitchell said. But "the feeling is very pleasant."
Deignan and Malkiel had to sort through a bank of candidates consisting of faculty members who either wanted to be considered for masterships or were suggested by current college masters, faculty and students.
Each candidate went through numerous interviews with both deans, and many factors went into choosing the right person. The two deans had to consider each person's personal lives, level of interest and availability.
Masterships last for four years, and can only be repeated once. Those chosen for masterships have to reorient their lives significantly, because they are required to be a regular presence in the college. College masters have to spend a great deal of time with students, RAs, staff and faculty, Malkiel said. They need to create an educational environment outside of the classroom, she said.
Mitchell agreed with those ideas. "The college system tries to make students' nonacademic lives as intellectual as possible," he said.
The current master of Butler College, Ted Champlin, said he has mixed emotions about leaving his position after eight years.
"It's been fun," Champlin said, but he also admitted that a mastership is "rather tiring."
Leaving his position, he hopes to focus more on his teaching career and reconnect with the larger student body. A humanities professor, Champlin teaches courses in Roman history and culture.
Champlin said he has great confidence in his successor. Mitchell will be helping Champlin with RA selections in January, to help create a smooth transition between the two masterships.
Mitchell said he will try to emulate Champlin, who he says "has clearly done a wonderful, effective, great job."
Despite mixed feelings about leaving his position, Champlin said he is assured that the reins will be in good hands.
"He will do absolutely fine," Champlin said. "He'll be great, no question."
Read More
Students weigh in on changes to hours at Murray-Dodge Café
Eojin ParkMurray-Dodge’s hours have been cut nearly in half. Previously, Murray-Dodge was open from 3 p.m. to midnight every day. Amid other closures of campus cafes, its hours have been reduced to 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Murray-Dodge’s hours have been cut nearly in half. Previously, Murray-Dodge was open from 3 p.m. to midnight every day. Amid other closures of campus cafes, its hours have been reduced to 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reflects on path to the Supreme Court in campus lecture
Isaac Bernstein and Justus WilhoitAt Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
At Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
Student employment in flux as University navigates budget cuts
Kian PetlinThe future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.
The future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.