Assumption College Announces New Vice President

Worcester, MA—President Thomas R. Plough announced to the Assumption College community today the appointment of Dr. Catherine WoodBrooks as the Vice President for Student Life. Dr. WoodBrooks is currently the Dean of Student Life at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education/Student Affairs from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
In his announcement, President Plough noted the remarks from the search committee’s summary report; "Dr. WoodBrooks has a strong sense of mission in her own life and an excellent grasp of Assumption College’s Catholic, residential, liberal arts based mission. She is an effective and proven collaborator with faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and members of the community and fosters a working atmosphere of openness, creativity, enthusiasm, and vision. Dr. WoodBrooks is involved with the field of student life at the regional and national levels. She is an excellent and tested leader."
Vice President WoodBrooks replaces J. Richard Christianson who left the position in October 2001 after 15 years of service to the College. Dr. WoodBrooks will be responsible for providing leadership in the areas of Student Activities, Residential Life, Health Services, Student Development, Athletics, Recreation, and Volunteer Services. Neil Castronovo, Ph.D., dean of Student Development and chairperson of the search committee, remarked on her ability to collaborate with all parts of the College. "I look forward to the high level of professionalism that she will bring to Assumption, and I know she will be good at building bridges with all areas of the College, in particular Academic Affairs and Campus Ministry. Vice President WoodBrooks will bring a warm and effective presence to the students," he said.
Students were represented on the search committee under the leadership of Ryan Dunn ’02, president of the Student Government Association. President Dunn remarked, "I felt that her sincerity and warmth will be carried throughout everything she will do, whether in meetings with students or staff, or carrying out her duties as Vice President for Student Life. Students will be able to approach her with concerns and issues and feel confident that they will be heard."
When reached via phone today, Vice President WoodBrooks commented, "The moment I stepped foot on the campus (in Worcester) I felt an instant connection with the people, the institution and its values. I was treated with the ultimate warmth and professionalism and I left the campus with a yearning to return."
Dr. WoodBrooks will join the Assumption community in July 2002.