Dean of Inclusion

It is disheartening to note in the pages of Reed magazine the signs of administrative bloat [“New Faces,” December 2010]. I cast no aspersions on the talents of Bruce Smith, for example, but how did the college last a century and how did Reedies succeed without a dean of inclusion, engagement, and success? Too bad that Reed is joining the national trend among colleges and universities toward more and more administrative layers, and thus higher and higher tuition. (If the money must be spent, why not spend it on another faculty line or two in oversubscribed departments?) At least take some small comfort in the fact that Reedies’ tuition and fees are not subsidizing a bloated athletic program, as well—yet.

Chas S. Clifton ’73

Wetmore, Colorado

Editor's Note: We understand that having a dean dedicated to inclusion, engagement, and success may strike some readers as redundant since that is (one hopes) part of the job description of any dean. Nonetheless, while this is a new title, it is not a new position. For several years, the college has employed a dean of multicultural affairs as part of our mission to ensure that Reed benefits from a diverse faculty, staff, and student population. Conversations with experts in the field and staff members who have held this position convinced Dean Mike Brody and his team that the new title would more accurately reflect the functions of this position.