Cevallos given permanent
appointment as vice chancellor

by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Chronicle staff

Javier Cevallos

fter serving more than two years as interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs, F. Javier Cevallos this week received a permanent appointment with the new title of vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life.

     The appointment was announced Thursday by Chancellor David K. Scott.

     "Javier earned this appointment by the leadership he has shown in the past two years," Scott said.

     "His accomplishments include the very difficult and sensitive tasks of developing a new admissions policy, tackling problems in the delivery of health care on campus, and working with student groups and town representatives on violence and alcohol problems, among others. These issues are national ones, and he has shown an ability to lead and to collaborate in resolving them."

     Scott said that Cevallos has a history of taking on challenges in new areas, rising to the occasion, and making impressive contributions. "He is a person who has grown in any position he has had," Scott said. "This is an admirable characteristic and one that will benefit the University in the challenging times ahead."

     Scott added, "Javier also has the national validation that comes from being a finalist for vice presidencies at other top universities."

     Cevallos was a finalist for vice president of campus life at Emory University this past summer, and this week he withdrew his name as a finalist for the position of vice president of student affairs at the University of Michigan.

     "I am delighted to take on this position," said Cevallos. "UMass is a great institution and I look forward to continuing to work with the many people who make it a great place. My family and I love the area and look forward to staying."

     Cevallos came to campus in 1984 as a faculty member in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. He was department head in the spring of 1998 and was secretary of the Faculty Senate from 1992-94. He was faculty advisor to the provost in 1994-96.

     In 1996-97, he was an American Council of Education (ACE) Fellow in the office of the president at Wesleyan University. In his role as an ACE Fellow, he was identified as a current and future leader of colleges and universities, Scott said. Cevallos was the first person from the University to be accepted by the prestigious national leadership program and one of only 34 people in the country accepted as a fellow in 1996-97.

     Scott said his decision to change the name of the executive area from Student Affairs to Student Affairs and Campus Life is based on the recommendations of a task force that reviewed the organization of Student Affairs two years ago. Scott said that in conjunction with appointing Cevallos as vice chancellor, he now intends to implement other recommendations of the task force.

     The task force's recommendations included moving Enrollment Services to Academic Affairs and placing Auxiliary Services from Administration and Finance to Student Affairs. The report also called for the creation of two new Student Affairs units: a judicial programs office to deal with student disciplinary issues and a family resources office.

     A recommendation to move Environmental Health and Safety to Administration and Finance was implemented in July 1999.

     Currently the vice chancellor of Student Affairs oversees a variety of student-related services. These include Housing Services and University Child Care; Health Services; Dean of Students Office; Disability Services; Admissions; Financial Aid Services; the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program; Public Safety; cultural and student support centers and programs; Commuter Services; the Everywoman's Center; Greek Affairs; and Campus Activities.