by Angelica Martinez
Features Editor
Effective at the end of June, Executive Assistant to the President Dr. Len Hightower will resign his position at the University of La Verne.
Dr. Hightower announced his resignation earlier this week to President Stephen Morgan, citing other opportunities as his reason for leaving.
According to Dr. Morgan, “Len had spoken often of the logical next move.” Dr. Hightower’s thoughts on pursuing his upcoming position was considered more seriously, “this year,” Dr. Morgan said.
Dr. Hightower was not available for comment. However, Human Resource officials at Pacific University in Oregon confirmed that he has accepted a position as the vice president for enrollment management at that institution.
During his 13 years at La Verne, Dr. Hightower implemented several programs.
“Len was instrumental in a reorganization of student affairs,” Dr. Morgan said.
“He added such programs as the L.E.A.D. [Leadership, Education and Development] program, the Career Development Center, the Multicultural Center, and I’m sure there are others. ”
“But those are some of the major additions that he made in strengthening the Student Affairs program at the University,” Dr. Morgan said, adding that he also had an important role in the reorganization of the Financial Aid Office, Strategic Planning and the Diversity Task Force.
According to Dr. Morgan, “He is interested in continuing to build a career in higher education and the move to a vice presidency was the logical next step for him.”
In Dr. Hightower’s absence, the Financial Aid Office, Enrollment Services and Admissions Office, all of which currently fall under his direction, will report to Dr. Morgan.
After Dr. Hightower’s departure, the search for a new executive assistant will be somewhat delayed. “We will spend some time evaluating exactly what that position will look like,” said Dr. Morgan.
“It may be somewhat different than the one Len has filled. And that’s something we need to take a few weeks to sort through,” he said.
