Releford assumes interim position for student affairs

Michele B. Releford assumed the position of interim vice chancellor of student affairs May 17 and is determined to lead the Rams in a more structured direction.

Releford has served as the Dean of University College for two years. She said taking the position of vice chancellor of student affairs was not a hard transition.

Releford has already instituted changes in her new role. For one, she is requiring all student organizations to have one coordinator.

Beginning this year, students who live on campus were provided with a new free washing and drying service in the laundry rooms.

Releford served on the Strategic Plan committee as Dean of University College. According to the WSSU web site, the Strategic Plan outlines goals, processes and timetables of what needs to be improved at the University.

She began the Ramdition program for freshmen in 2008.

Ramdition is a week-long program that puts students in academic settings and gives them a welcoming ceremony at the end of the week.

"Ramdition was created out of a meeting I held in October of 2008," Releford said.

Releford said she plans to have a week dedicated to seniors in the spring. She also wants to incorporate more academics in student activities.

She said her personal relationship with the staff is very important to her.

"There is never a dull moment in Student Affairs and no two days are ever the same," said LaVon Gray, special projects manager for Student Affairs & University College.

"The new leadership has been refreshing," said Bridgette Hazelwood, administrative support associate. "She puts the needs of students first."

Releford said she would like for students to get what they paid for when they graduate.

"They paid for an education that will allow them to seek graduate study, handle the work force as a productive member of society and to want to give back to the institution."

Releford said she wants the students of WSSU to know that she is approachable.

Janae Williams, a junior music business major said Releford is one faculty member who is easy to talk to.

"Though I've had little interaction with her personally, it doesn't take long.  She doesn't give you long to warm up to her bubbly, youthful aura," Williams said.

As of now it is unknown if Releford will remain vice chancellor of student affairs.