Collegiate Times

Julie Walters-Steele has been hired as the new director of the University Unions and Student Activities for Virginia Tech. Formerly the director of the university center at Western Carolina University, Walters-Steele will be joining the full-time staff of both Squires Student Center and Johnston Student Center Nov. 1.

A search committee comprised of faculty, students and other UUSA employees eventually found a worthy candidate for a position left vacant since 2004. After a nationwide search that yielded no likely candidates for the job, the committee posted a second search, which resulted in Steele?s initial application.

?I found out the position was still available in March at the Association of College Unions International annual conference when I was speaking to members of the University Unions staff,? Walters-Steele said. ?Several of my ACUI colleagues encouraged me to apply, so I did. The search was put on hold in the spring, so it wasn't until July that I had a telephone interview, which was followed by an on-campus interview earlier this month.?

The job offer was made Aug. 22, pushed back a day because of the on-campus incidents regarding the hunt for William Charles Morva. Walters-Steele formally accepted the position Aug. 25.

Walters-Steele was ultimately chosen for the position based on her background in working with student unions ? both at Clemson University and Western Carolina University, leadership skills and positive reaction from students and staff who met her during the on-campus interview. She is also currently the president of the Region 5 division of the ACUI.

?I am secure in the belief that Ms. Walters-Steele will take the helm with strength and ethical leadership and continue to promote an environment that is the bedrock of student centered-ness,? said Guy Sims, assistant vice president for Student Affairs. As the new director of UUSA, Walters-Steele will oversee a staff of roughly 50 professionals and several dozen service employees who work at the two student centers. She plans to talk with existing members of the UUSA staff and interested students in the first few months to discover needs and concerns regarding the University Unions.

Sims expects ?students to find Ms. Walters-Steele a warm, inviting and knowledgeable resource on campus.?

?Julie was certainly a driving force in the success of our building and our programs, and although we are happy for her to have this excellent professional opportunity, we are very sad to see her leave,? said Kim Davis, office manager at Western Carolina University. Along with her husband and two children, Walters-Steele is excited about moving to Blacksburg and being back in the Atlantic Coast Conference after serving a stint at Clemson before taking the position at Western Carolina.

?This position will provide me with an opportunity to grow in my profession as well as providing me with the opportunity to continue to work with the students. Go Hokies!? Walters-Steele said.