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Romero named Goshen College Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

A national youth leader for the Mennonite Church has joined the new administration at Goshen College to lead the student life division, President Shirley H. Showalter has announced.

Carlos Romero, the Mennonite Church's Minister of Youth, has been named Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at GC. He will join the administration full time Aug. 1, 1999.

Romero brings more than a decade of experience working with youth and young adults. Since 1990 he has served as Minister of Youth through Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries. During that time he was also co-chair of the churchwide Youth Ministry Council.

During part of 1997, he also served as MBCM's acting president, and from 1993 to 1997 he was the High Aim staff person. In his role at MBCM he was also coordinator of churchwide youth conventions which grew from 1,800 to 5,200 attendees during his tenure.

Prior to his work at MBCM, Romero was business manager and then school administrator at Academia Menonita, a Mennonite elementary and high school in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is a graduate of the school.

"In Carlos Romero we have found a person who has twice demonstrated the ability to transform communities of learning - first at the elementary and secondary school level and then at the national church level," said Showalter. "Carlos has a passion for young people and a passion for learning. He will help us create a mission-focused, diverse institution that understands its own soul and is ready for the demands of the 21st century."

"I'm very excited about becoming part of the Goshen College community," said Romero. "It's a vibrant and energetic place and to be able to contribute is exciting.

"I hope to see a thriving college community life where members are actively involved, where they are challenged to look beyond themselves to have a deep appreciation for each other," said Romero in describing his goals for the future. "I want to have a place where people are challenged in their faith and where they see what it means to live out their faith on a day-to-day basis."

As vice president, Romero will oversee all areas of the student life division, including campus ministries, residence life, orientation, career counseling, student activities, personal counseling and discipline.

Romero was praised for his leadership ability. "Carlos has demonstrated the ability to manage differences and conflict," said John D. Yordy, provost and executive vice president and co-chair of the search committee. "He relates well to people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. He has exceptionally strong management and leadership skills."

"Carlos offers charisma and vision to Goshen College," said Launa Rohrer Beck, resident director and co-chair of the search committee with Yordy. "He also brings a strong commitment to the church and to the student population. His experience in building consensus and working collaboratively to set goals and solve problems are assets in leading the student life division."

Romero will also serve as a link between student life and academic areas, including, for example, preparation for GC's Study-Service Term.

"I am impressed with the authority and experience Carlos will bring to lead us in our personal and institutional efforts to promote cultural understanding and appreciation," said Wilbur Birky, director of international education and a member of the search committee. "This should prove very helpful both in campus efforts where he has direct supervision and in providing counsel for Study-Service Term leaders and students."

"Carlos has a lot of energy and enthusiasm for working with students," said Karla Hernandez, an active student member of the campus ministries team. "He brings experience to Goshen College and a commitment from working with the Mennonite Church. He also brings a different perspective and fresh new ideas on how to work against prejudice and towards a unified multicultural community."

Romero received a bachelor's degree in international relations from Bradley University in 1984 and a master of business administration in church management from Graduate Theological Foundation in 1997.

Romero will continue as Minister of Youth until Aug. 1, 1999, giving leadership to the churchwide youth convention in St. Louis in July of 1999. During the 1998-99 school year, he will take a study leave from MBCM and spend four months in preparation for his GC assignment.

Interim Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Phyllis Carter will continue in her current responsibilities through the 1998-99 school year.

--Lyle Miller