Residential Life Dean Named

J. Cristia Lesher, dean of students at Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Va., became the first dean for residential life at the College on August 22. In her new role, Lesher will direct Dartmouth's newly-created Office of Residential Life, which will incorporate the College's housing office and assume responsibility for dormitory programs and budget.

Top among Lesher's priorities is the implementation of the residential cluster proposals recently approved by the Board of Trustees. The proposals focus on improving the social, intellectual, and physical aspects of dorm. living and promoting a sense of community among students. According to the $14.5-million residential plan, dormitories will be grouped into eight clusters depending on their location, with only three dorms left free-standing. Lesher also will chair the College's Dormitory Building Committee, which will select and work closely with architects in designing a new dorm and renovating existing dorms.

Prior to her appointment at RandolphMacon, Lesher served as assistant dean of students at Radford University in Radford, Va., from 1975—78, where she was involved with the student judicial system. The previous year, she had been an area coordinator at Radford with responsibility for five residence halls housing 900 students.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Lesher attended Bexley High School in Columbus, receiving a B.A. degree in English and an M.S. degree in student personnel counseling from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She and her husband, Philip Francis Pierson, a sculptor, are the parents of a two-year-old son, Will, and are living in Hanover.

Prof. Robert L. Drysdale