Dear Campus Community,
In case you may not have seen, Shadayvia Wallace, Associate Director of the BIPOC Unity Center and Program Director for the MLK Scholar and First Generation Programs, recently shared news that she will be departing Ithaca College in early January to pursue a new career opportunity at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Shadayvia has been a critical part of our SACL and Ithaca College family and, while we enthusiastically wish her the very best as she steps into this next chapter of her professional career, we also understand the importance of providing continued coverage and support to the many areas that will be impacted by Shadayvia’s departure.
First, I am excited to announce that Cliff-Simon Vital will be stepping up to the role of Interim Director of the BIPOC Unity Center and will officially begin in this new title effective Wednesday, January 1. Cliff-Simon and Shadayvia have done an admirable job co-leading the BIPOC Unity Center as Associate Directors during the Fall 2024 semester and I am grateful that we have the ability to lean into Cliff-Simon’s dedication, leadership and expertise in elevating him to this role.
In his most recent role co-leading and managing the day-to-day operations of the BIPOC Unity Center this Fall, he has put his strategic thinking into practice by envisioning and instituting innovative programs and processes such as a streamlined system to support the progress of IAP Scholars. His skillful leadership is evident in his efforts to support the staff team, and his wise stewardship of the Center's resources.
As a student-first, mission driven student affairs professional, Cliff-Simon has been so instrumental in providing stability and care during a time of transition for the Center. Most recently, he completed a certificate in leadership and management through the cohort-based, highly selective Harvard Professional and Executive Leadership program, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Administration with specialization in Higher Education from the University of Rochester. Through both knowledge and practice, Cliff-Simon is eminently qualified to take on this role and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact he will have as Interim Director during the upcoming spring semester.
I am also pleased to announce that McKenzie Murray, who has served as Program Coordinator for the BIPOC Unity Center during the Fall 2024 semester, will be elevated to the title of Assistant Director effective Thursday, January 16.
McKenzie has quickly distinguished herself as an integral part of the BIPOC Unity Center staff over the past semester. Key accomplishments include: planning and implementing programs and events to support students and foster an inclusive environment; supporting students with academic, personal, and career-related issues; and serving as a student organization advisor. McKenzie has also invested her talent and energy into a variety of efforts such as bringing the Protect Your Crown retreat to fruition, and has stepped into a variety of work groups and committees. As Assistant Director, McKenzie will continue to support these efforts while also taking on some of Shadayvia’s responsibilities within the MLK Scholars and First Generation programs.
Looking forward, the college anticipates launching a national search for a permanent Director of the BIPOC Unity Center during the Spring 2025 semester. If you have a lead on a candidate recommendation for this position, please share with Luca Maurer, Executive Director for Student Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Lastly, I would like to take a moment to thank Shadayvia for all she has contributed to our Ithaca College community during her tenure at IC. Building upon the rich legacy of staff and alumni who have previously shaped these programs, she boldly expanded opportunities and experiences for students especially through the MLK Scholar Program and for First Generation college students. Among her many accomplishments were: establishing a robust annual National First Generation Week celebration at IC; official chartering of Ithaca College’s Epsilon Sigma chapter of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society to recognize the academic and professional achievements of first-generation students; establishment of the First Gen and MLK Scholars lounge; a year of programming to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the MLK Scholarship Program at Ithaca College; implementing the vision of the senior MLK Scholar cohort trip to Washington D.C.; and re-establishment of the MLK Scholarship community service requirement.
Please direct any further questions regarding BIPOC Unity Center staff coverage plans to firstname.lastname@example.org.
I wish our campus community a wonderful Winter Break and I look forward to sharing more news about the status of our Director search this spring.
Stanley A. Bazile, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life