Newly-hired Assistant Dean of Student Development Todd Adams doesn't fit the usual stereotype of a University administrator: The youthful and energetic Adams-who will deal with all students, but more specifically greek affairs-listens to the likes of Korn and the Dave Matthews Band.
"I missed the college campus scene," said Adams of his decision to be a student dean. "You wake up each day and you don't know what you're going to expect."
And if Adams is seeking the unpredictable, he may have found the right place; as debate surrounding alcohol and selective living groups dominates University conversations, now is a time of transition in student life.
"His greatest challenge will be to influence the fraternity system in such a way that the leadership and the general membership recognize the need to change as Duke and the Duke students change," said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek.
Adams will take over Wasiolek's position as adviser to the Interfraternity Council. He will also work with Women's Center Director Donna Lisker, who advises the Panhellenic Council, and Assistant Dean for University Life Beverly Meek, who advises the National Panhellenic Council.
Adams said he will bring a different perspective to the greek system, and that he hopes to develop a greek community out of the individual groups. "Right now, it will be a challenge to bring together the disparate groups of the Duke student body...," he said. "It's an eclectic campus."
Both IFC and Panhel officials helped select Adams, and IFC President Chris Dieterich expressed enthusiasm at his arrival.
"To have somebody who in their stated duties deals with greek issues is a great move for the administration," the senior said. "It shows a real commitment to greek life."
Administrators hope that Adams' IFC duties will free up time for other deans. His role on campus, however, will not be limited solely to greek life. He will also work with the upperclass residential community and serve as a dean-on-call.
Adams' experience in the area of student affairs stems from his graduate work at Southern Illinois University, where he studied higher education administration with an emphasis on college student development. Prior to coming to Duke, he worked in student affairs at the University of Toledo.
As an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska, Adams never envisioned a future career in "the Ivory Tower" of university administration.
He planned to pursue a career in finance but after working at a consulting firm, he found that working in the academic world-not the business world-was his calling.
So far, Adams said he has been amazed by students' abilities to balance academics with their dedication to numerous extra-curricular activities.
"I like working with students.... It's the best part of the job," he said.
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