By Megan Herrema | Echo
After over 17 years of service in student development, Steve Morley will relinquish his role as dean of students to accept a new position at a higher education consulting firm in North Carolina.
According to colleague Drew Moser, dean of experiential learning, Morley has tirelessly advocated for increased connection between the classroom and student development programming throughout his time at Taylor. "In addition, he has been a wise, calm and caring presence through many of Taylor's most difficult moments of the past few decades," Moser said.
For Morley, some of the most sacred moments he's experienced in his role have been in response to both interpersonal and campus crises. Morley also has a passion and dedication toward whole person development and interaction.
"(Morley) is really good at what he does, and he has a genuine passion for his work as evidenced by his care for students and fellow faculty and staff," Skip Trudeau, vice president for student development, said.
Morley's tenure as dean of students will conclude at the end of the month. He has accepted a role as senior campus planner with Credo, a higher education consulting firm based in North Carolina that specializes in partnering with independent colleges and universities.
As senior campus planner for Credo, Morley will work with a team of architects and designers to help institutions identify their desired student experience and then create spaces that foster community engagement and student success.
"Because we live much of our life in a built environment, our experience of life, one another and community is influenced by the shape and quality of that environment," Morley said. "Therefore, I see value in tending to this aspect of our life."
Morley said he looks forward to his new role, but he and his family are saddened to leave the Taylor community that they love. He will begin his new role with Credo on Jan. 1, 2017.
Meanwhile, the nationwide search for the next dean of students is underway, though he or she may not be identified until June 1, 2017. Morley's colleagues have devised an interim plan to divide out duties among other student development faculty and staff members.
"(Morley) has made a huge contribution to Taylor University student development and has positively impacted hundreds of students during his 17-year tenure," Trudeau said. "I and all of Taylor University are going to miss him a great deal."
