Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Puts Service on Top of Agenda

By Leigh DuPuy

There's a new voice in the office of student affairs--J. Keith Motley's booming laugh can be heard down the halls of the Quinn Administration Building and his excitement about being at UMass Boston is just as conspicuous.

"There are things about this university, its students, and the vision of its chancellor that resonate with me in ways I haven't felt in a long time," Motley says. "There are wonderful things happening inside and outside of the classroom here."

Motley began his post as vice chancellor of students affairs on August 1, following an impressive career at Northeastern University. His tenure stretched from his early days as a top basketball player and student leader to his rise from an admissions counselor to several appointments as assistant dean of minority affairs, associate dean and director of the African American Institute, and dean of student services. "Dr. Motley brings to UMass Boston more than two decades as a higher education administrator," says Chancellor Gora.

And with this wealth of knowledge, Motley wants to get down to the business of building a complete living and learning experience for students at UMass Boston. "We need to focus on high-quality student services," he says.

One way to begin, notes Motley, is to take inspiration from the new Campus Center, set to open April 2004. "The campus center is one of the best I've ever seen -- the size, quality, and potential. It has the framework to galvanize the campus and provide the energy that will help stimulate cultural change," he says.

"There are so many communities here at the school--mini-communities that are sectioned off. The campus center will help pull these groups together," says Motley. He believes its anticipated co-curricular atmosphere can be realized now.

"We need to greet people. We need to engage students when they come in--we should know what our student's names and get them involved. If nothing else, we should inform them," he says.

Motley's plans include creating a student advisory board to find out what makes their experience at the university a positive one. "It will be a chance to talk together and collaborate." He says, "I believe if we engage and involve students in the process, we will reap the benefits of professional development."

Motley also plans to examine the role student affairs plays in retention and to use research in responding to the needs and preferences of students. He believes a constant evaluation by students and external reviews are essential to the department's success.

The vice chancellor recognizes the importance of tradition and maintaining UMass Boston's commitment to accessibility. He advocates both building on this history and enhancing it. "Nothing good comes without challenges," he notes. "I want this school to be the students' first choice, and for our students to celebrate the degree they get here."

Both pride and levity are essential ingredients for success, argues Motley. He says, "This should be a fun place to be--we should feel good about being here."

Dr. Motley received a B.S. in education with a focus on speech pathology and audiology and a M.Ed. in higher education administration from Northeastern University, and a Ph.D. in educational administration from Boston College.

Image: J. Keith Motley, vice chancellor for students affairs. (Photo by Harry Brett)

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