The University of Mississippi’s Division of Student Affairs has officially chosen two candidates for the position of assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students.

Candidates Bob Rasmussen and Melinda Sutton gave presentations to the public March 18 and March 24.

Rasmussen currently serves as the dean of students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. At Utah Valley University, he has served as director of student life and leadership and director of campus events, as well as holding other leadership positions.

Sutton currently serves as the associate dean of student life at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She has also served as deputy to the dean of students at the University of Texas at Austin.

Current Dean of Students Thomas “Sparky” Reardon announced this past summer that he would be retiring on April 30 after 36 years of service to Ole Miss. Before becoming the dean of students, Reardon was the director of pre-admissions and the associate dean of students.

“At this point, we are still gathering feedback from various constituents that met with the candidates,” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brandi Hephner Labanc said.

Labanc said she hopes to review that information early this week.

The Division of Student Affairs is expected to announce the new dean of students once an official decision has been made.

— DM Staff Report