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Hinkson departs

By Merrit Linden

Avis Hinkson, Mills College dean of undergraduate admissions and enrollment planning, announced her decision to step down from her position, according to a March 17 e-mail from President Holmgren.

Holmgren described Hinkson’s many contributions to the college in her letter directed to the Mills community.

“During her five years leading the admission office, Avis has served Mills with dedication, skill and energy.

Her many contributions include increasing enrollment of students each year with strong academic abilities, successful efforts to maintain and enhance diversity among undergraduate women at Mills, development of innovative marketing materials for the college, implementation of a coordinated approach to the recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students, service as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic spokesperson for Mills, and creation of a strong admission team,” wrote Holmgren.

According to Holmgren’s e-mail, Hinkson has stepped down from her position in order to devote more time to her doctoral degree at the University of Pennsylvania. For the remainder of the current semester she will serve as advisor to an interim management team.

Myrt Whitcomb, dean of students, will lead the interim management team. Whitcomb will serve as acting dean of enrollment management and will oversee undergraduate admissions, student services in the office of student life, and coordinate between the undergraduate and graduate admissions offices.

Shirley Weishaar will take Whitcomb’s place as acting dean of students in the office of student life.

“So far it’s been running smoothly,” said admissions officer, Birgit Volza, of the new changes in the admissions office. “We should all be very thankful for having Avis here for the last five years,” she added.

In response to the announcement, the office of undergraduate admissions has begun searching for a new dean and hopes to fill the position by fall of 2003.