Dean of the College Lee Pelton is a busy man.
Not so busy that he misses his pick-up basketball games with students and faculty members, though. Along with reading and writing, playing basketball is one of the three things he does well, the 6-foot-3-inch, genteel administrator said.
John Strayer '96 would add another skill to Pelton's repertory: interacting with students.
"He is enormously inciteful into what the reality is on campus," Strayer said. "I also think he is a very good listener. He is very personable, and I've found it very easy to get to know him."
As dean of the college, Pelton is responsible for an enormous staff and a $35 million dollar budget. Few important decisions are made without consulting him.
But most of all Pelton said he prefers just talking with students. All his decisions and relations with students are based on his philosophy for Dartmouth College:
"What is important to me is that we take advantage of the fact that this is a small, intense residential college, and that we sustain a community that is inclusive and that is wonderfully diverse," he said.
One way Pelton gets feedback is by spending several evenings a year in different residence halls meeting with students. He also is available by appointment "to discuss anything." (Pelton puts the emphasis on "anything.") He talks to students wherever he can, from the English course he teaches to the basketball court.
But there is more to Pelton than administrative decision-making and a great jump shot.
"I have a strong contemplative side," he said.
As you read this, Pelton is probably in the library researching for his new book, which will examine British gothic fiction.
English Department Chair William Cook said Pelton goes beyond the call of duty in choosing to teach his Victorian fiction class.
"The exciting thing is he does contribute one course a year, so he does bring classroom experience to his office," Cook said.
