by Kendra Bridel
Staff Writer
Although it will be hard for Debi Stanley to move on, she feels extremely confident she is leaving her job as director of academic advising and matriculation in good hands.
Art Stenmo, currently the associate director of admissions, will officially take over her position today.
After nearly two decades of working for ULV, Stanley says that her time as an adviser has come to an end.
“There comes a time in people’s lives when you need a change. It’s time for me to open a new chapter and close the La Verne chapter in my life,” she said.
Stanley has been in her current position for the last five years. Some of her goals for the program have been to create an office that meets students’ needs and by using the developmental advising approach, facilitating student progress in graduating not only from college, but in everyday life.
She prides herself in helping turn dependent students into independent students, ready to face the real world after graduation and making sure students realize they have choices.
“Debi has really focused on developing counselors within the advising program, to get students through with their bachelor’s degree in four years,” said Adeline Cardeñas-Clague, director of enrollment services.
Throughout the next five years Stanley would like to see ULV networking new technology and advising together, to enhance the communication flow, and to make sure the information given to students is completely accurate.
Stanley graduated from La Verne College with a bachelor’s degree in art, a minor in sociology and a single subject teaching credential, also in art. She went on to get a pupil personnel credential, an elementary credential and a master’s degree in school counseling.
Prior to graduating from ULV as a third generation alumna, Stanley worked as the resident director in Stu-Han Residence Hall for two years, and at the Woods, the former University apartments, for six months.
Moving up the ladder, Stanley worked in the Admissions Office for five years, was director of residential life for two years and then associate director of admissions, where she worked for five years before becoming director of academic advising and matriculation.
Since her family’s move to Thousand Oaks two years ago, Stanley was spending three hours a day on the freeway. At that point, she began thinking about making changes in her life. However, it took two years for her to finally say good-bye to ULV.
Now she looks forward to the opportunity to spend quality time with her six- and 12 year-old sons.
The biggest regret Stanley has will be leaving many of the faculty and students she works with everyday.
“ULV will always be a part of me,” said Stanley.
The time has come for a new phase in her life, she said, and she is ready to take over her husband’s role as “Mr. Mom” for the time being.
Cardeñas-Clague strongly recommended Stenmo for the promotion. Her recommendation was supported by Dr. William Cook, vice president of academic affairs, and Dr. John Gingrich, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
When Cardeñas-Clague was asked if she thought Stenmo was ready for the promotion she said, “Absolutely. Art will hit the ground running.”
Stenmo has worked at the University for 10 years and will be a “real win for ULV,” says Stanley. Stenmo graduated from ULV in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
Stenmo worked for San Dimas Parks and Recreation as a recreational coordinator for a year and a half when a friend talked him into applying for a recruiting position at ULV. In 1986, he became an admissions representative and then the assistant director of admissions. In 1991, he moved up to associate director of admissions.
Stenmo received his master’s degree in higher education by cramming 45 units of work into nine months at Stanford University.
“It was a grueling program, but I loved every minute of it and it allowed me to move in this direction,” says Stenmo. “It broadened my knowledge of higher education.”
When asked how he felt about Stanley leaving, Stenmo said, “Debi is taking with her a lot of knowledge of the University. We will miss that, I will miss that. Debi has been the staple to academic advising.
“I’m looking forward to learning the position and bringing a different approach.”
Stenmo has been learning about his new position “on the run” while he continues his present job reviewing files, getting registration appointments and working with financial aid.
Some of the changes in the academic advising program that Stenmo wishes to bring about include easing the registration process with new technology, allowing students more access to class information by using the Vax and setting up kiosk computers around campus. Stenmo hopes that within five years, students will be able to request transcripts by computer and register and apply for graduation on-line.
However, Stenmo does not want ULV to lose that “human element that sets us apart.”
In the fall, not only will Stenmo be taking on the responsibilities of his new position, but he will also handle some of his old admission duties, help out with the college fairs, and recruit new students.
