MIT's student life dean, Colombo, to step down from position
In an email to the MIT community, Chancellor Cynthia Barnhart announced the retirement of Chris Colombo as the Dean for Student Life, effective immediately. Colombo will continue in his role until a successor is appointed, and will then serve as an advisor to Chancellor Barnhart until June 30, 2016.
During his seven-year tenure, Colombo made significant contributions to student life at MIT. He oversaw a staff of over 400 and was instrumental in the development and implementation of numerous initiatives that aimed to enhance the student experience.
One of Colombo's most notable achievements was the extensive review of housing, athletic, and campus activities facilities under his leadership at MIT's Division of Student Life (DSL). This included the reopening of Maseeh Hall as a newly renovated, 490-bed undergraduate dorm, and the establishment of area directors in all dorms under his oversight.
Colombo also placed an emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity at MIT's DSL, implementing assessment initiatives to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. He revised both summer and conference housing policies, and instituted a deferred-maintenance fund for dorms to ensure their ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
In addition, Colombo implemented a new, comprehensive dining plan at MIT's DSL, and drafted an updated DSL strategic plan during his tenure. He also served as housemasters at Next House at MIT with his wife, Bette.
Throughout his 40-year career of service to students at MIT, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins, Colombo has been a mentor and coach to many student affairs professionals. The MIT community is grateful to Chris and Bette Colombo for making a difference in the lives of many students.
A search committee will be formed to recommend candidates for the new dean for student life position at MIT. Until then, the search results do not provide information about Colombo's role as the dean for student life or his key achievements in this position. If you are looking for specific information about someone at MIT, it might be helpful to check MIT's official website or contact their administration directly.
- Undergraduate students at MIT have benefited from the extensive renovation of Maseeh Hall, a dormitory overseen by Chris Colombo during his tenure as Dean for Student Life.
- Education and self-development opportunities for MIT students were enhanced under Chris Colombo's leadership, as he was instrumental in implementing a new, comprehensive dining plan and drafting an updated DSL strategic plan.
- Christopher Colombo, a seasoned professional with a 40-year career in student affairs at MIT, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins, has been a mentor and coach to many students in the field of engineering, science, and education.
- The campus learning environment has been enriched through Chris Colombo's focus on multiculturalism and diversity, as he implemented assessment initiatives to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
