After a nationwide search, the College appointed one of its own, April Thompson, as director of the undergraduate judicial affairs office on Friday. Thompson has served as the interim director of judicial affairs since October.
In the College's official announcement, Senior Associate Dean of the College Dan Nelson '75 wrote that Thompson impressed the committee during her interview by showing a devotion to fairness, an understanding of the issues in judicial affairs and an ability to work well with students.
Thompson said she felt "honored to be chosen from among the pool of highly qualified candidates."
Her status as an insider of the Dartmouth judicial system also had its advantages, Thompson added.
"During the interview, I was able to speak about things that I have experienced at Dartmouth and give examples of successes and challenges I have seen here," she said.
Thompson highlighted increasing the transparency of Committee on Standards hearings and the disciplinary process in general as goals she plans to tackle.
"It is important that we balance providing information with the obligation to maintain strict confidentiality about individual student records as mandated by law," Thompson said.
The position became available after former Director of Judicial Affairs Marcia Kelly was promoted to associate dean of the College for administration last fall. Kelly said she was pleased with the committee's choice.
"I'm thrilled for April and I think that Dartmouth is getting the best candidate -- someone who knows and cares passionately about students and the institution and will work incredibly hard to balance many competing needs and demands," Kelly said. "Having worked with April for the past four years, I know she will continue to seek creative ways to reach out to students and provide more information to the community."
Nelson chaired the search committee tasked with finding Kelly's replacement. The committee also included College Proctor Harry Kinne, Leigh Remy of the First-Year Office, Deborah Golder of the Office of Residential Life and Ellen Arnold of the General Counsel's office.
Before working at Dartmouth, Thompson worked at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif., and at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
