Elizabeth Gibney is Mount Holyoke’s new associate director of student programs.

by Carolyn Lorie '01

What's so special about Elizabeth Gibney, Mount Holyoke's new associate director of student programs? Plenty, according to the three students—Danielle Lewis '02, Cherri Brown FP, and Davida Steinberg '01—who were among those serving on the committee that conducted a national search for the position. Brown knew Gibney was the right choice after only one interview question. According to Brown, while other candidates articulated what they would want to accomplish in the role, Gibney simply answered "I want to hear what student organizations and their members need." For Steinberg the fact that Gibney is "eager to listen and learn" made an impression. And for Lewis, it was "the importance Beth places on leadership roles for women" that tipped the scales in Gibney's favor.

Although Gibney accepted the position just last week, she has been a part of the MHC community since the end of September, when she began working as the interim assistant director of student programs. In her new, permanent role, she will continue to work with student organizations, but will expand her focus to include collaborating with the Weissman Center. "I am proud to become a part of Mount Holyoke's long tradition of excellence," Gibney says. "It's a joy to be a part of this community." Director of Student Programs John Laprade welcomes the "creativity and passion Beth brings to her work and her excellent skills in the area of leadership programming." Adds Laprade, "She has had overwhelming support from the students who have worked with her so far."

Gibney earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology and master of education degree in counseling with a concentration in student personnel administration from Springfield College. Before coming to Mount Holyoke, she was the residential director and coordinator of leadership development at Bradford College. As someone already experienced in teaching students how to apply their leadership skills, she is particularly looking forward to expanding that component of her position.