Marquez and Deltondo smoothly transition (06-14-06)
Ken Marquez and Bruce Deltondo
It must be Ken Marquez's '87 '94, director of Auxiliary Services, background in pole vaulting that enables him to sail over obstacles and land softly.
Recently, Interim President, Dr. David Svaldi, appointed Marquez dean of Student Affairs effective July 1.
Marquez is well-prepared for his new duties after spending the 2005/2006 academic year working half-time as director of Auxiliary Services and half-time as interim dean for Student Affairs.
He divided his time between the offices, one in Richardson Hall, the other across campus in Housing, in meetings, meeting with students, and still managed to smile and connect with students. In fact, at the Adams State College Associated Students and Faculty Awards Banquet, Marquez was recognized for Excellence in Academic Advisement.
"I couldn't have managed without my support team," Marquez said. "Stacy Dove and Eleanor Cruz in Housing and Gina Willis in the Student Affairs Office were instrumental in keeping me on track and if Bruce Deltondo and Stephanie Lewis (both assistant directors of Auxiliary Services) hadn't stepped up and taken on extra duties there is no way this past year would have worked."
Marquez filled the vacancy left by Dr. Frank Sanchez. Sanchez replaced Lawrence Gomez '67 '68 who was dean/vice president of student affairs for 17 years.
"While I was a student, Vice President Gomez always treated me with respect," Sanchez said. "He is my inspiration to run Student Affairs in the best possible method to serve all our students."
"It was very challenging to take on both roles and balance two demanding jobs," Marquez said. "Learning the ropes was a small part. Although the dean of Student Affairs is a demanding job it keeps me connected to the students, which I thrive on."
It was a busy year for Marquez and he said he became aware of what the higher office entails.
"I've learned that I have a lot to learn," Marquez said. "There are a number of areas that I need to better understand as well as the whole political side of things. I have never felt I was a real political person, however, I am learning fast that I need to be. Overall I've learned that I really love ASC and have been so fortunate to have been provided the opportunities to serve here."
Marquez has been in the housing profession for 20 years. He started as a resident assistant while attending Adams State College.
"I've been in the trenches," Marquez said. "Starting as an RA and working in housing management has made this transition easier. I also spent an internship in Counseling and Career Services as well as in the Academic Support Center."
Marquez was a student athlete, competing in track and field, and was a first-generation college student. He said that gives him an edge when working with Adams State College students.
"I listen to students and think, 'this is me, I was a part of this,'" Marquez said. "I almost left school after my freshman year. I can relate to our students as the dean of Student Affairs. I believe my background in counseling has literally saved me many times in handling situations as well as how to deal with my own emotions."
The president of the Associated Students and Faculty Senate, Jonathan Baer, said this past year we has had the opportunity of working with Marquez in both housing and residents life and dean of student affairs.
"I would have to say that Ken is probably one of the best people on campus when it comes to working with students and their needs and understanding them," Baer said. "Ken takes student concerns and ideas very seriously, and is almost always willing to give his full support to any new project that Senate believes will benefit the students and the campus."
Marquez received his bachelor's degree in psychology and his master's in guidance and counseling. He worked in Housing and Residence Life immediately after graduation with former director of housing, Mike Jolly.
"I left in 1994 and went to work at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff," Marquez said. "Although it wasn't a huge university, it was bigger than Adams State. I heard about an opening in 2000 and came back as soon as I could. I love this place. Bruce and I talk Adams State football, basketball...I can honestly say we both love it here."
Bruce Deltondo '94 '05 will move from assistant director of Auxiliary Services to director July 1. He has been in housing 12 years, and started as summer staff while attending Adams State College.
Deltondo received his bachelor's in business administration and his master's degree in Health and Physical Education.
"I consider Ken my mentor," Deltondo said. "We have a great working relationship. He will make the transition easy and smooth. We may not be in the same office, but Student Affairs and Housing go hand-in-hand."
"Bruce is a compassionate person," Marquez said. "He always said, 'did we teach them something,' when we had to deal with a student's behavior. Our goal was for them to learn from their behavior and mistakes and to make the right decisions."
"I am looking forward to the challenge," Deltondo said.
Marquez also has goals in mind for his new position.
"I want to update the student handbook," Marquez said. "I want to make sure our policies and appeals process are current with today's trends. Adams State College will continue to strive to meet all our student's needs."
He said he enjoys working with the other top administrations personnel at Adams State.
"It is a pleasure to work with the president's cabinet," Marquez said. "There is a top level of expertise in each area. We have a great team and they are all dedicated to the success of this college."
Marquez said he was surprised by Svaldi's method in orienting him to be dean.
"I thought Dr. Svaldi would shelter me and work closely with me my first couple of months as interim dean," Marquez said. "He didn't, he kicked me out of the nest right away. It was the best thing for me, exactly what I needed. I love working with him, he is a great leader."
Svaldi is a part of Marquez's academic past.
"Dr. Svaldi was my old speech professor," Marquez said. "He remembers my career goals speech. In my presentation I said someday I wanted to be the dean of Student Affairs. And here I am and I'm ready for it. I'm excited about the opportunities and ready for the role."
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By Linda Relyea
