In order to assure the diversity of the College's future classes, Sylvia Langford was appointed as the coordinator of minority recruitment for the class of 2003 earlier this week.
In a memorandum released last Monday Dean of Admissions Karl Furstenberg announced that while Langford will retain her position as the dean of the Class of 1999, she will also be taking over the minority recruitment campaign formerly run by Associate Director of Admissions Christine Pina.
Pina will be taking a one year leave to pursue graduate work at Harvard University.
Langford's appointment for the 1998-99 academic year marks an important bridge between the dean's office and the admissions office in their combined effort to make the Class of 2003 as dynamic and diverse a group as possible.
Langford's new responsibilities include not only the review and evaluation of applicants but also the promotion of Dartmouth to under-represented minorities who might not normally consider the College as prospective students.
As tools to increase the number of minorities faces in the 2003 class, Langford will utilize special visitation programs and contact with prospective students and their family.
She will also be in charge of coordinating student volunteers in the minority recruitment program and will be a valuable liaison between the dean's office, the admissions office and the College undergraduate student body.
"I'm delighted about the opportunity to work in admissions as well as in the dean's office next year," Langford wrote in an electronic-mail message.
Langford seems excited about working with two classes on the verge of large life transitions.
"I hope to increase the visibility of Dartmouth College in several minority communities and work with the admissions team to put together another dynamic class. I'm certain that it will be a rewarding and challenging year for me," Langford wrote.
Langford is a seven-year veteran of the dean's office, having served as the dean for the Classes of 1993, 1996 and now 1999.
She has also served on such College committees as the Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid, the Senior Fellowship Committee and the Native American Council.
Langford is an advisor for the Afro-American Society, the Golden Key Honor Society and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
