Special Section: Homecoming 2012 - Friends University

news in FOCUSNEW LEADERSHIP POISED FOR GROWTHBY SARA ORNELASDr. Dona GibsonFriends University has been woven intothe fabric of Dr. Dona Gibson’s life sinceshe was young.“As a child, I attended athletic and musicevents because my aunts and uncleswere students here,” said Dr. Gibson,interim dean of the Graduate School.Later, she became part of the FriendsUniversity family – first as a student,graduating with an education degree in 1972 – and later as afaculty member. Since then, she has served as an administrator– as the director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program since1991, and the chair of the Division of Arts, Education and Sciencein the Graduate School since 2007.Beginning her latest role as the interim dean of the GraduateSchool in July, Dr. Gibson will help transition her department to anew leader.“Serving as interim dean of the Graduate School is an honor forme,” she said. “The faculty, staff and administration are peopleI have known and admired for some time. Having a chance toassist these friends in providing qualitygraduate programs for our students isindeed a joy.”Steve KleinAs the new vice president of EnrollmentManagement, Steve Klein is a happyman.“Working with young adults on theverge of transforming their lives, as wellas adult learners continuing to shape careers, makes every daya joy and a blessing,” Klein said. “The enterprise in which we areengaged is so vital and transforming. I wake up with a smile everyday knowing our work leads to so much good.”Klein arrived in January from San Angelo State University inTexas where he was the associate vice president of enrollmentmanagement. Klein brings more than 35 years of experiencein enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, careerservices and other higher-education administrative positions.Klein said the University has great potential to grow itsenrollment and reputation and to impact the Wichita community.“I want to be part of the team that helps create that growth,”Klein said. “At the end of the day, we are in the business ofhelping people reach their objectives and grow professionally.”Tracy MuirheadWhen Tracy Muirhead first stepped ontothe Friends campus, she was drawn tothe excitement and energy.“All the right elements are in placeto move forward,” said Muirhead, thenew vice president of InstitutionalAdvancement (formerly UniversityRelations).The leadership of a new president,the commitment of faculty, the development of a strategicplan, and “an absolutely beautiful campus” were some of thenoteworthy elements that attracted her.Muirhead came to Wichita in July from Saint Vincent Collegein Latrobe, Penn., where she occupied a similar role to the onec o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 7Ghana and Mexico Delegates Visit CampusBY HANNAH PauLS, SENIORDelegations from Ghana, West Africa, and Tlalnepantla and Cancun, Mexico,visited Friends University in May during their trips to Wichita.The visits served to support trade and international relations, and to showcasethe Wichita area. In anticipation of establishing an official relationship forfuture exchanges, Wichita city officials held discussion about a sister citiesprogram with the Ghana delegation. Wichita shares sister city relationshipswith both Mexican cities.Senior Amber Teske walks arm-in-armwith Queen Mother Nartekie Kpabiteyduring the Ghana delegation’s visit.6F R I E N D S U N I V E R S I T Y focus