Losing Leaders

In the last two weeks, this university
has had to swallow two major losses – both occurring on the same day. Nov. 3, marked the last day for former Dean of Students Ainsley Carry who will begin a position at the University of Florida. On that same day, the Office of Student Activities lost a pillar on its staff in the sudden death of Program Coordinator Arnold Boyd.

Carry and Boyd played integral roles in student life here. Whether it was Boyd’s dedication to student organizations in pushing for organizations’ office space in The Village or Carry’s passion for student leadership in facilitating this campus’ first LeaderShape Institute, their contributions were unique and have left the university with large shoes to fill.

For now, Dr. Theresa Powell, vice president of Student Affairs, will take over the duties of dean of students until a replacement is named.

There is no word on Boyd’s replacement.

In either case, what Carry and Boyd meant to students cannot be measured by their accomplishments alone. Both men exemplified leadership qualities that enabled students to see them beyond their official roles.

Boyd was commonly known to students who participated in LeaderShape as “Daddy Boyd.” Dr. John DiMino, director of Tuttleman Counseling Services deemed Boyd a “Temple institution.”

Though they’ll no longer be the faces of Student Life, it has to carry on without them. Whoever replaces Boyd and Carry must possess the same tenacity and dedication to a vibrant campus life – Carry for two years and Boyd for more than two decades.

The university should initiate a search committee for their replacements.

Students and members of Temple Student Government should comprise the members of this committee. Much like how open meetings are held for other vacant administrative position on campus, such meetings should take place in TSG, where student representatives can have direct part in the interviewing process and subsequently the hiring process.

In the long run, when the university suffers such losses, we are most affected.