Turning Points

The Rev. Bill Blain-Wallace

APPOINTED The Rev. William Blaine-Wallace, as Bates’ multifaith chaplain, on Aug. 1. An Episcopal priest, the 55-year-old Blaine-Wallace came here from Massachusetts, where he was a therapist and faculty member at The Salem Center for Therapy, Training, and Research. Earlier he served as rector of Boston’s Emmanuel Church.

“Bill doesn’t force a spirituality on people, but moves us to ask our own questions by listening deeply and telling resonant stories from his own life,” says Michael Wilson ’07, who took part in the search to replace chaplain Kerry Maloney and is a co-president of the Story Telling Club, an interest he shares with Blaine-Wallace.

Sue Houchins, associate professor of African American studies, as special assistant to President Elaine Tuttle Hansen, in August. Houchins, who has taught at Bates since 2003, will take a leading role in efforts to increase diversity at Bates and improve the campus climate.

Marylyn Scott, as director of multicultural recruitment for the admissions effort, in August. Scott served as coordinator of diversity programs and outreach at Mount Holyoke College prior to Bates.

Roger Ouellette, as executive chef, in July. Twice named Maine’s Chef of the Year by the Maine chapter of the American Culinary Federation, Ouellette has held executive positions in food distribution and processing as well as the restaurant realm.

PROMOTED To tenured positions as associate professor: John Baughman, politics; Francesco Duina, sociology; Beverly Johnson, geology; Todd Kahan, psychology; and Rebecca Sommer, biology. From associate to full professor, David Cummiskey, philosophy; and Margaret Maurer-Fazio, economics.

WON A bronze medal in ladies’ freestyle skating at the Gay Games VII, in Chicago, by Erica Rand, professor of art and visual culture and of women and gender studies. Jason Goldman ’00, research assistant (and bowling competitor at the games), accompanied Rand for a possible book project.

DEPARTED Suzanne Coffey, athletics director since 1991, on Aug. 1 to take the equivalent position at Amherst College. Coffey, who joined the athletics department in 1985, was widely known and honored for her advocacy of the role of sports in higher education.

“Suzanne was a fantastic representative for Bates not only within NESCAC and New England, but on a national scale,” says women’s soccer and basketball coach Jim Murphy ’69. Dana Mulholland, associate director of athletics, will serve as interim director while Coffey’s successor is sought.

DECEASED Carmen Bosse, who worked in Facility Services from 1976 until 1991. She died on Aug. 19 at age 78.