Magazine
"Listening to What Everyone Has to Say" First Goal For Bambrey as he Returns to Wabash as Dean of Students
by Chris Cotterill '99
cotteric@wabash.edu
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College's Leadership Program puts Wabash Men on the Ropes
Survey Shows Wabash Seniors More Satisfied Than Peers with Collegiate Experience
$2.4 Million Lilly Grant Allowing Wabash to Address State-Wide Problems in Higher Education
Pierce Klemmt's Baccalaureate Sermon
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t feels wonderful to return to
Wabash," Thomas Bambrey '68 said as he prepared for his move to Wabash
with his wife, Rosalie, to assume the duties as the College's dean of students
on July 1.
"I've been away for a long time and the prospect of serving the College excites me," adds the former dean of student life and co-curricular education at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. He indicates that he sees no immediate changes in the Dean's Office.
"Listening to what everyone has to say is the first goal," Bambrey said. "I must get to know as many people as possible so that I can best evaluate the student-college relationship for the best experience possible for students."
Bambrey began his life at Wabash in the fall of 1964. As a student he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity and ran track and cross country--which he captained in his senior year. He also served as a representative to the Senior Council (the equivalent of today's Student Senate). In 1968, he graduated with his B.A. in English with a minor in psychology.
One fraternity brother recalls Bambrey as being "known in the house for his unshakable good humor and his calm nature. I have not the least doubt that he will be successful in his return to Wabash as Dean."
After Wabash, Bambrey coached and taught English and speech at Southmoreland Senior High School in Alverton, Pennsylvania. In 1971, he began his graduate work at the University of Denver where received an M.A. and a Ph.D. in English. In his 22 years at Denver, he served on the faculty and moved through a variety of administrative positions.
During his career in higher education, Bambrey has taught a wide range of courses, co authored two books, written a half-dozen articles, and presented numerous professional papers. He also received significant recognition, including his election as Outstanding Faculty Member at the University of Denver in 1985 by the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils. He has also earned the American College Test (ACT)/National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) National Award as Outstanding Advisor in the Rocky Mountain Region (1988) and received the Thomas G. Goodale Award for Distinguished Service to the Greek System at the University of Denver in 1991.
The legendary Dean Moore served as dean of students during Bambrey's student years. Bambrey laughs when asked if he will return as another dean Moore. "Dean Moore is an old style, classic Wabash Dean-when he said something, students listened. Today's deans must work together with everyone in a collaborative effort."