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West faces new direction, interim dean of student affairs by Cindy Abole Public Relations As of July 1, Valerie West, Ed.D., associate provost for Educational Programs became acting dean of Student Life replacing Gil Bradham, M.D., who stepped down after almost 40 years service and affiliation with the institution. Bradham assumes the new role of medical director with the Harper Student Center and as such will provide medical guidance to student health and psychological services in addition to managing the center’s fitness assessment program. He will also serve in the role of special assistant to the president for wellness. In her new role, West will direct all student-related programs including student health services, student financial aid, student programs, volunteerism/MUSC Gives Back, Office of International Programs and Services, Center for Academic Excellence and Writing Center, Counseling and Psychological Services and the Wellness Center and work with the Student Government Association. “Taking on this challenge is made much easier because of the talented and committed staff in the Harper Student Center. I feel fortunate to be working with such competent professionals,” said West about her colleagues in the center. “My job is to help them prepare for new leadership and to support them in their initiatives. As a team, our primary goal is to support the physical, emotional, and academic lives of our students. The center promotes a holistic view that supports both in-class and out of class learning.” Prior to her appointment to the Provost’s Office, she served as interim dean for the College of Health Professions. She was also the associate dean in that college. As associate provost for educational programs, she has stayed involved in a variety of teaching programs including the Dean’s Rural Clerkship, the Interdisciplinary Rural Practicum (SCRIPT) and executive doctorate in Health Administration. She is also director of the Presidential Scholar’s Program; a yearlong experience for 40 selected students that stimulates interdisciplinary interaction and teamwork. West will begin her new position by spending time in July meeting with program directors and their staff in the Harper Student Center to review program goals, issues, and plans for the future before working with the group to set priorities for the year.   “It is always good to listen to the people who know and understand their programs best,” West said. “Then we can collaboratively discuss new ideas that might be helpful for the future.” West also looks forward to working with the student leadership on campus and advocating for their needs. Just recently, she met and spoke to members of a Presidential Scholars focus group who discussed real-time student issues including the status of student insurance. Other pending issues include the opening of the campus bookstore and new dining facility, and the relocation of the Office of Diversity to the Harper Student Center. “We have wonderful students and student leaders,” West said. “Our institution wouldn’t be the university it is today without our students. It is our reason for being.” The role of student life is not just to provide direct support for individual students but to maintain a supportive learning environment—a place that builds relationships through experience and interaction with others that serves to enrich learning, she said.