By Gillian Adkins
Less than three months after he started, Cason Brunt, the new dean of students, abruptly parted ways with Dominican, leaving tight-lipped administrators and puzzled students. Brunt himself could not be reached for comment.
Brunt began working at Dominican on Nov. 1 after the university conducted a substantial search. He impressed both Diamond Whaley, head of housing, and top administrator Gabe Lara.
“We were looking for someone with crisis management experience, student conduct experience, and residence life experience,” Lara said at the time. “Cason’s personality just shined through the screen, and when he came on campus, it solidified our impression.”
But by Jan. 30, students were notified that Brunt was no longer with Dominican via a terse email from Lara, the vice president of student success and engagement.
“I want to share that Cason Brunt, our Dean of Students, is no longer with Dominican University,” he wrote.” I know this role is important in building connections across campus, and I want to assure you that our commitment to supporting you remains strong.”
After sending the email, Lara declined to give details for Brunt’s departure.
“I can’t comment on anything regarding personnel,” he said. “Things happen that can’t be prevented and that’s where we’re at.”
Junior Jupiter Jones was among one of the many students who were surprised by the news.
“I would appreciate Dominican letting us know why he left his role, or sharing a clarifying statement about it all,” she said.
Senior Sisi Gomez, a psychology and business management double major and resident assistant, had been eager to work with Brunt further.
“I was looking forward to a stronger relationship with the dean of students,” Gomez said. “In the past, our only interactions with the dean were only really through the conduct process.”
Leila Robinson, president of the Black Student Union (BSU), said she had been optimistic at first.
“For me, I am a Peer LEADer, who works in the SSE [office of Student Success and Engagement], and I was near his office. I got along with Cason and got to know him personally,” she said. “I felt connected seeing a prominent staff [member] on campus who was Black since most [here] are not.”
Robinson noted she felt more comfortable coming to Brunt with concerns in the community because he was very vocal about advocating for students and following his departure, she was left disappointed but not surprised.
“Many Black faculty and staff [members] have a low chance of staying here for the past few years. I’ve had to say goodbye to many faculty members and always connect with them when I can for a sense of community.”
Lara said that Sarah Johnson, executive director of student care and retention, will be taking on Brunt’s responsibilities until the university hires a replacement. Johnson has experience in student services, such as her work as director of TRIO Student Support Services. He expects to begin the new search for dean of students around May or June.
Students are eager for a new dean of students who is reliable and practical while still valuing communicating with students.
“Dominican doesn’t need a Superman, but someone who is willing to consistently do the work because that’s where the main issue stems from,” Robinson shared. “I feel as though most DU faculty hear problems but only solve the symptoms. Most never take the time to think about the root of the problem. To have a person [do that would] be refreshing.”
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