OAAA E-Weekly November 21, 2022

Leading with Heart Work in the Face of Tragedy

Throughout the last week's efforts to respond to our unprecedented tragedy, we have led with heart work followed by deep thinking about our community and the diversity of needs within it. We are so grateful for those of you who participated; regardless of role or position, we were all enriched by the communal effort to remain connected. In these moments, Grace and Love are sufficient starting points.

As most of you plan to join your families in much-needed restoration, please keep the families of the dozens of students directly impacted by this tragedy in heart and mind. Above all else, in your love and faith language, lift the families of our three "young Kings," D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis, Jr., and Devin Chandler. This tragedy has changed their families forever; as such, we, too, must stretch and hold them in our familial arms.

New Hire Announcement: Office of African-American Affairs Cedric Bernard Rucker, Senior Associate Dean

This time last week, as a community, we were in the early part of one of the longest weeks of my professional life and likely one of the most difficult in the University's history. I am grateful that together we were able to weather the week. We are, indeed, #UVAStrong.

Today, I am reaching out with exciting news for our community. As Interim Dean, I spent the first 90 days listening to and assessing our Office's needs for this transitional period. After careful consideration, I sketched an ideal candidate to support the Office (OAAA) including the Luther P. Jackson Black Cultural Center and shared it with Vice President Hadley. As occasionally happens, the Universe aligned, and with her support, we hired someone ideally suited for what we needed and wanted.

On November 28th, 2022, we will be pleased to have Cedric Bernard Rucker assume the role of Senior Associate Dean in the Office of African-American Affairs. Dean Rucker, '84, began his career as an Assistant Dean of Admissions here at the University from 1983-1989. As an Assistant Dean, he worked "to creatively develop and professionally implement strategies needed to recruit and enroll the best possible class." He was also actively involved in the life of student organizations and worked to connect them strategically to the Office of Admissions.

After leaving the University, Dean Rucker assumed the role of Associate Dean and Director of the Woodard Campus Center at his alma mater ('81), the University of Mary Washington. Since then, Dean Rucker has become the stuff of legends. In June of 2022, he retired as their Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life. In honor of his service, the University Center at Mary Washington was renamed the "Cedric Rucker University Center" by their Board of Visitors.

For the next 12-18 months, Dean Rucker will join the Office to support the vital work of the Luther P. Jackson Black Cultural Center and the overall mission of the OAAA. He will join us at an integral time of growth and partnership with the Office of Admissions, Multicultural Student Services, the Carter G. Woodson Institute for African-American and African Studies, and the International Studies Office.

Although he was confirmed to join the Peace Corps for two years after retirement, the opportunity to play a supportive role for our students was too appealing to pass up. And, the timing couldn't have played out better. He will be a welcomed addition to the Office.

Welcome back, Dean Rucker!

Sincerely,

Michael Gerard Mason, Ph.D., LPC
Interim Dean, Office of African-American Affairs

A University-wide effort, administered by the UVA Alumni Association, to honor the victims and support the survivors, families, and the broader student community.

Laughter, Tears Fill Memorial for D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler

By Mike Mather, [email protected]
November 19, 2022