By Cait Kemp
News Editor
This fall, Springfield College not only welcomes students for a somewhat back-to-normal school year, but also a new friendly face on campus who is already getting involved with the Pride.
Dr. Slandie Dieujuste is the new Vice President of Student Affairs for Springfield College and she is eagerly taking on the job. She has been on campus to greet students during early move-ins for student athletes, NSO and Pre-Camp leaders, and first-year students, as well as participating in many different events over the past several weeks. She has made her presence known in the best way possible, showing her fun personality and excitement to be a part of the Springfield College community.
“I have been so impressed by our students here; as you know, we just had New Student Orientation, Pre-Campers spent some time at East Campus… I had a chance to meet with New Student Orientation leaders and SGA student leaders and I’m just in love, I really am, with this campus and the student population,” Dieujuste said.
“The students here care so much about service and each other; I haven’t really seen that anywhere else.”
Dieujuste has prior experience with this position, after serving as Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Massasoit Community College from 2018 until now.
Dieujuste also gained experience within the collegiate profession at Illinois Institute of Technology, Governors State University, Jackson College, Saint Mary’s College, and Northeastern University, as stated in a previous article from scstudentmedia.com.
“I’ve worked in four different states, so I’ve worked in Massachusetts… I’ve worked in Illinois, I’ve worked in Indiana, and I’ve worked in Michigan,” she recalled.
“Mostly private residential institutions, similar to this one. I am well-familiar with the needs of students, so I’m bringing that with me,” Dieujuste said.
With her broad resume boasting multiple accredited schools, Dieujuste will bring different perspectives regarding academics, student life, and social interaction that will give students a refreshing mindset.
Like a breath of fresh air, Dr. Dieujuste is bringing the energy needed this fall to motivate students after a disappointing and frustrating 2020-2021 school year.
Dieujuste emphasized, “All of that experience and the energy, understanding students and student development and what they need at different points of their lives.. we know our first-year students need something completely different than our seniors, and that’s from experience.”
Tuesday morning, she hosted a pancake breakfast on Reed Green for all students to attend. Students gathered to indulge in pancakes, and have the opportunity to have casual conversation with each other and Dr. Dieujuste.
This event offered the experience to really meet the new vice president and get to know her before classes begin.
“What I’m focused on right now is really getting to know students. I’m getting out of my office, I’m attending events, I’m taking people to lunch, and we created sort of this ‘Time With Dr. Slandie’… which is really an initiative that will allow me to get out of my office to pop up in different places, indoors and outdoors, to have conversations with students,” she said.
“It’s also a way to increase my Instagram following,” she laughed.
In all seriousness, though, Dieujuste stated, “A student who’s not following me could take a picture with me and follow me and tag me would get a free coupon to Dunkin Donuts, drinks on me.”
Dieujuste’s personable demeanor and involvement in the community has already proved to be an amazing addition to campus.
She is able to offer students and staff a fresh new outlook with her eagerness to learn about the Humanics Mission of Springfield College, especially what it stands for in the classroom, on the field and court, and in the hearts and minds of those who are a part of it.
“I’ve never worked at an institution where every student understands the mission and lives it; this concept of holistic student development and service, those are values that are similar to mine,” she said.
Dr. Slandie Dieujuste will surely be a positive impact for the school, as she is already showing that. The ideas, morals, and sheer dedication that she brings will allow her to thrive with the community, and the community thrive with her.
Photo Courtesy Springfield College