A&M appoints student activities director

By: Calli Turner

Posted: 5/31/07

Texas A&M officials announced Wednesday they had chosen a new head for the Department of Student Activities.

William Stackman, who replaces Interim Director David Kipp, was appointed the director of student activities and will take over the department founded by John Koldus in 1973.

Stackman served as the dean of students at Rhodes College before being appointed to the A&M administration. Rhodes is a private liberal arts college located in Memphis, Tenn.

Associate Director of Student Activities Tim Sweeney said Stackman was selected through a competitive interview process that was run by the Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

"We're excited; we are ready to move into a more permanent arrangement. This will be very positive for students," he said.

Prior to Rhodes, Stackman served as interim dean of students and associate dean of students at Oberlin College in Ohio.

Linda Gates, the dean of students at Oberlin College stated, "I have found him to be one of the most collaborative colleagues I have worked with. His greatest skill is his ability to listen and to be open to new ideas."

Stackman received his master's degree in community recreation from the University of Missouri. He also received a second master's degree in student life administration from Glennville State College in West Virginia.

The student activities department oversees all recognized student organizations, leadership programs and publications regarding student services, as well as student government.