The Tucker Foundation will split into two centers: one addressing religion, the other service. The restructuring follows much discussion of the organization's purpose.
Last August, the College formed a task force to clarify Tucker's mission and structure. The decision came after some scrutinized the appointment and subsequent dismissal of the Right Rev. James Tengatenga, who had been tapped to lead Tucker in July. College President Phil Hanlon expressed concerns over Tengatenga's prior statements on homosexuality and his ability to lead the organization after controversy regarding these statements ensued.
After Tengatenga was dismissed, search committee chair Irene Kacandes said that Tucker staff members did not agree on a vision for an ideal candidate, and she wished they had waited to form a search committee until those at Tucker were united in their understanding of the organization's purpose and the role of its leader.
The task force aimed to do just that.
"The goal of that task force was really to study the structure of the Tucker Foundation currently and to understand what structure will best serve the needs of Dartmouth students today and going forward," said Theresa Ellis '97, Tucker's interim dean.
The College announced the divisionWednesdayevening.
Ellis will remain interim dean and reorganize the foundation in the coming year, the College's press release noted. The search for leaders for each center — to be called the Tucker Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and the Dartmouth Center for Public Service — will begin in the next few months.
