Candace L. Royer, head of MIT's Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER)/director of athletics, has been named senior associate dean in the Division of Student Life, Larry Benedict, dean for student life, announced today.
Royer, who has served as director of athletics since 2001, will assume her new role on Feb. 1, 2007, following a 6-month sabbatical leave beginning Aug. 1, 2006.
"I look forward with vigor to continuing to support DAPER, the dean of student life and MIT in any way possible," Royer said.
Royer came to MIT in 1981. Her 14 years in coaching and teaching and her 11 years in administration have been "extremely rewarding," she said.
"I am gratified by the department's support, dedication, industry, creativity and perseverance as we serve our central mission of providing programs and enhanced fitness, sport and recreational activities across MIT's campus community," Royer said.
Benedict's statement to the MIT community focused on Royer's experience, dedication and leadership on behalf of DAPER and the MIT community as a whole.
"I extend my sincere thanks for a job well done and I look forward to working with her in this new, exciting and challenging role," Benedict said.
"Under Royer's leadership, DAPER has made significant strides, including the completion and implementation of the department's strategic plan, the opening of the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center, and two very successful Visiting Committee visits.
"We have seen the best community and student satisfaction ratings in the history of this department. During her tenure, the endowments have increased as has annual giving. I am most gratified by these successes and others that are too numerous to mention," he wrote in a letter to the MIT community.
As senior associate dean, Royer will focus initially on fundraising efforts for DAPER. Ultimately, she will be responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic fund development plan for the entire Division of Student Life. She will continue to hold an associate professorship in physical education, Benedict said.
Royer will also collaborate with staff in Resource Development, the Alumni Association and the faculty and staff of DAPER to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for fundraising and lead the implementation of this plan.
"As many know, there is a critical need to build increased levels of funding for student life and learning at MIT, including DAPER, in order to sustain and enhance our programs. We have made much progress to date, but it is clear that for us to maintain our momentum, we are going to need a significant infusion of outside funds," Benedict noted.
Increased fundraising is a "priority for MIT and for DSL and was endorsed at the recent meeting of the DSL Visiting Committee. Fundraising will also be the focus of the upcoming visit of the Athletics Visiting Committee," Benedict wrote.
A national search for a new director of athletics/ DAPER department head will be launched immediately.
Benedict has charged associate dean Laura Capone with chairing the search and posting the opening as soon as possible.
"I welcome any thoughts or suggestions you might have on this process," Benedict said.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on April 26, 2006 (download PDF).
