Eddie Knowles has been named the vice president of student life, following an extensive national search that started in January.
"Since the announcement was made I have received phone calls and e-mails from all around the world—from alumni, students, trustees, previous presidents. It has been overwhelming," said Knowles.
Knowles, who has served as the interim vice president of student life since February 2000, was chosen from among 48 candidates who applied for the position. "I view this as a significant vote of confidence," he said.
Knowles has been involved in higher education for 30 years, 24 of which were spent at Rensselaer. In 1977, he first came to Rensselaer as assistant dean of students. He formed the Office of Minority Student Affairs and became its director in 1979. For 18 years, beginning in 1982, Knowles was the dean of students. "I have been asked what’s the one factor that kept me here for 24 years and I say it’s the students," he said.
As vice president, Knowles will report directly to the president. His responsibilities include the management of athletics, the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development, the Career Development Center, the Chaplain’s Office, the Dean of Students Office, the Office of the First-Year Experience, the Rensselaer Union, Residence Life, the Student Health Services Center, and Student Records and Financial Services. Knowles’ agenda for the remainder of this year and a good part of next year has already been outlined. "There are lots of things to be done," he said.
High on his list of priorities are tonight’s Student Life Forum presentations and a meeting with members of student government. He said this is part of his goal: "student life has to be elevated."
He will also have to conduct two searches; one for a director of athletics after the retirement of Robert Ducatte, and the other for a dean of students, which he vacated. Art is another thing that Knowles will be paying attention to. Knowles is a well-known percussionist and as an adjunct associate professor in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences he teaches Afro-Cuban drumming. He envisions "significant changes" happening with the completion of the new Electronic Media and Performing Arts Center. Knowles said that for the last 24 years, the arts at Rensselaer were neglected, but "President Jackson made this possible."
As to his part in The Rensselaer Plan, he said, "We have an ambitious plan, one that puts us in a position to achieve excellence."
