Ten years ago, Michelle Samuels arrived at the University as a first-year student. Today, after almost three years of being a dean, she is moving on.
At the end of the semester, Samuels, a New Jersey native, plans to return to her northeastern roots.
When asked what element of the University has been most special throughout her time here as a student and assistant dean of students, Samuels replied without hesitation, "the students."
"The students have been the absolute gem of my experience here at U.Va. U.Va. students are unique," she said.
So is Samuels, according to Joe Jackson, a fourth-year Chemistry major who has worked with her since 1997.
"She is very down to earth and wants very much to be friends with students ... She has been a very big motivator in my life and the lives of other students ... I imagine most students who know her well would say the very same thing," Jackson said.
Although her move is a voluntary one, Samuels admitted that no matter where she ends up, "There will be no simulating the student life and student culture at the University."
Samuels came to the University in 1990 after the University heavily recruited her for her talent. To her, the University seemed to offer "a very nice package of academics and athletics."
As an undergraduate, the track team consumed much of her free time, but she also found time to participate in Madison House activities as well as the Black Student Alliance.
After majoring in rhetoric and communication studies in the College and graduating in 1994, Samuels performed graduate work in counselor education through the Education School.
Although she initially was in contact with the Office of the Dean of Students just "to talk about careers" in general, Samuels soon found her calling there, she said.
"I sort of fell into it and fell in love with it," she said.
"I was the graduate intern in the Dean's office in 1995, and assistant to the Dean in 1996," she recalled. In 1997, she assumed her current position as assistant dean of students.
To Samuels, the Office of the Dean of Students serves "to support and foster student growth and development in their collegiate years and beyond."
She noted that the office sponsors programs ranging from leadership opportunities to crisis prevention. These projects demonstrate the office's involvement in many aspects of student life, she said.
One of Samuels' projects has been directing "Grounds for Discussion," which, according to the program's Web site, encourages first-year students' "academic and personal growth and acquainting them with the opportunities offered at the University."
In 1996 Samuels helped revamp the program, which now uses student actors to present skits based on issues that concern the University.
Skit topics include personal safety, sexual assault, diversity, substance abuse and eating disorders.
"She asked us questions to make us consider our roles and their impact," recalled Jackson, who Samuels directed two years ago in Grounds for Discussion. This year, Jackson and Samuels were co-directors.
As a former University student, Samuels was able to offer unique insight into the problems first years face.
Making the direct transition from student to administrator is a rare opportunity, which provides a unique perspective, Samuels said. The change allowed Samuels to see behind the scenes in the organization of student life activities.
Samuels said as a student she took a lot of basic University programs and services for granted. Being a dean has offered her "a good understanding of how things work," she said.
Dean of Students Penny Rue, a newcomer to the University this year, said she recognizes "the really deep knowledge of the institution [Samuels] has."
"[She] is incredibly direct and very straightforward," Rue said.
Currently, the search for Samuels' successor is in its early stages. "They're going to do a national search," Samuels said, one which will be conducted through advertisements and extensive interviews.
"It's not possible to replace people," Rue said. "Whoever comes in will make their mark in a different way."
Although Samuels' plans for the future are still in the works, the uncertainty is part of the adventure, Samuels said.
The uncertainty is "part of what's exciting for me," she said.
"My hope is to move back to the New Jersey or New York area," she added. While Samuels has no concrete plans, she said she hopes to continue "working with students" as well as in "programs to improve [their] lives."
"She is such a dynamic individual," Jackson said. "I have no doubt that there could be much, much more for her" in the future.
Although Samuels admittedly has "mixed emotions" about leaving the University, she said she is "excited to see new things and do different things"
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