For James Larimore, the first year as Dean of the College has simply flown by.
When asked how he well he felt he had performed as dean, Larimore summed up his busy year at Dartmouth. "I don't think that I've even had time to think about it," he said.
From the Student Life Initiative decision to the Phi Delta Alpha fraternity derecognition, Larimore has led Dartmouth through one of the most eventful years in the College's history.
"This past year has gone by so quickly," Larimore said yesterday, exactly one year after he assumed the post of the dean.
"I have found Dartmouth very open and welcoming."
Whether it has been meeting student organization leaders in a formal setting or having them over at his house for an informal dinner, Larimore said he has most enjoyed his interaction with students at the College this past year.
He said he was particularly pleased by the degree and quality of student input about the College's social and residential life during the course of the entire year.
"What was very impressive," Larimore said, "was the in way in which students took up the challenge" in discussing contentious issues about campus life and the Initiative.
Reminiscing about the past year, Larimore said, "As a new-comer, whether as a first-year dean or a first-year student, [Dartmouth] has been challenging, yet reassuring."
Speaking after completing his first year as dean, Larimore described the College as "a great place determined to get even better."
He said he is particularly appreciative of the close relationships students have with faculty on campus -- something he hopes will continue in the future.
He added, however, that Dartmouth is seriously rethinking and trying to improve its student residential experience -- by instituting changes like increasing social space and increasing responsibilties of undergraduate advisors.
Larimore said his biggest shortcoming this past year was time constraints and "his ability to focus and sustain attention."
He, in fact, plans to work this summer on improving his time management.
Whether taking a walk down Main Street to Lou's Restaurant with his wife Karen or simply appreciating the small, campus town, Larimore enjoys his time here and described Hanover as a "wonderful place to be."
"This is an easy place to make and develop friendships," Larimore added.
