Interim Associate Director Larkin Powell plans to step down from his administrative position at the end of this month, and Mark Kuzila will fill the role.
Powell’s decision comes out of upcoming availability conflicts. “I will be in the field doing research for much of March and will be preparing for and leading a Namibia trip at the end of the semester,” said Powell. “I feel I would not be available to help the director as much as I would like if I continued to act as associate director.”
Powell’s replacement, Mark Kuzila, said he’s looking forward to communicating with the SNR community, responding to issues, and doing the tasks necessary to move SNR forward it its mission. Kuzila, who served as the director of SNR from 2003 until 2007, agreed to take over the position beginning March first.
“I’m always willing to assist in any way I can to help us move forward,” said Kuzila. “I am familiar with the mission of SNR, and the players and history of the school. I feel I can use this information to help us move forward as we hire new people and pursue our goals.”
Kuzila said he thinks Powell brought a different, valuable perspective to the position of associate director. “Larkin has extensive experience as a teacher and researcher,” said Kuzila. “He’s done a great job.”
Powell wishes to thank all of those who worked alongside him during the past few months. “I felt that it was important to step up to serve SNR during this time of transition, even though my teaching and research commitments were extensive,” Powell explained. “I appreciate those who have made sacrifices of time and energy so that I could serve in the AD role.”
Interim Director Tala Awada said she thinks Powell has done a great job and wishes him luck. “I greatly appreciate Mark and Larkin’s willingness to assist with SNR administration and serve SNR’s community.”
Although Powell’s season as interim associate director ends on Feb. 28, he will continue to act as director of the CESU in SNR.