After looking over a year, University officials turned their search westward for a new director of Newcomb Hall.
Bill Ashby, who now serves as director of business services at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, will begin his new job Oct.15.
As Newcomb Hall director, Ashby will be responsible for the daily operations of the building, which includes working with the many student groups housed on the premises. He also will play a role in planning the proposed new student center, to be built next to Newcomb Hall and in front of Brown College.
Ashby said he is excited about the many opportunities awaiting him at the University, although he is disappointed he will not be in Charlottesville when classes start.
"I'm bummed I'm missing" the start of classes this week, he said. "But I'll be there Oct. 15 ready to go."
He said the University's excellent national reputation played a large role in his initial and subsequent attraction to the position.
"From an outsider's perspective the University is very rich and very attractive," he said. "It was even more exciting firsthand because the people I met and the atmosphere was very exciting."
Ashby will replace former director Eddie Daniels, who left the University last summer to serve as director of campus activities at the University of Connecticut.
In searching for a replacement, Dean of Students Penny Rue said the University was looking for someone who exhibited a variety of qualities.
"We wanted someone who understands both the human and facilities side of the union but also someone who was student centered and with an interest in self-governance," Rue said.
University officials decided to pause the search process last fall, after deciding they did not have an adequate applicant pool. Officials began a new search in the spring, when more people were seeking and applying for new jobs, Rue said.
Ashby will play a role in planning for the student center. In his current position, which he held for six years, he worked with the planning stages through the opening of a similar building.
University Programs Council Chairwoman Becca Franklin, who served as a student member on the search committee, said Ashby's experience should be helpful in planning for the new student center.
"I think there's a great opportunity for him to help the students," Franklin said. "He fits well with the University's structure because he comes from a school with strong student self-governance."
Third-year Andy Fletcher, who also served as a student member of the search committee, agreed that Ashby will add a great deal to the University community.
"I wanted someone who demonstrated a real passion for student involvement as well as a solid leadership style," Fletcher said.
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