In a letter to students announcing the change, Marx called Lieber “a perfect fit to fill the dual roles of support for research and [academia]” required by the new position. Marx was quick to point out that this position is not a demotion for his colleague, but a new opportunity. “Ben has been an amazing Dean of Students for 25 years, and I think he wanted to see if there was a new challenge he could have and still stay at Amherst,” Marx said yesterday by phone. “It gives us an opportunity to keep Ben doing what he does so well.”
Lieber has been a constant fixture of the College for the past 25 years. Not only acting as Dean of Students, Lieber has also served on countless committees throughout the years. After growing up on Long Island, Lieber graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts and a Master of Philosophy. He was appointed Dean of Students on July 1, 1984 after serving as Assistant Dean of Students at Columbia.
To the disappointment of many students, Lieber’s new position will prevent him from retaining his role as Dean of the Class of 2010. “While I’m sure his new job will be exciting, his presence in the Dean’s Office will certainly be missed by the Class of 2010,” said Jessica Mestre ’10. “I am extremely appreciative of his assistance as our class dean,” she continued. “I went to him with questions about interdisciplinary studies, study abroad plans, the pass/fail option and student event funding. He has been there for me, and for that I am grateful.”
Marx explained that it would be unreasonable to expect Lieber to remain as the Class of 2010’s dean. “As it is, he’s going to be filling multiple positions — there’s only so much you can do,” Marx noted. Lieber could not be reached for comment.
While students expressed concern at Lieber’s reassignment, they were just as quick to wish him well. “Having worked with Dean Lieber on a variety of student committees, and having been fortunate enough to have him as my class dean for the last couple of years, I am confident that he will have great success in his new position,” remarked junior Nic Zhou, who serves on the Committee on Discipline with Lieber. “I hope that whoever replaces him is as capable as he is.”
The College plans to begin a national search for his replacement in the near future. Despite the disruptions that may result during this transition, Marx expressed little doubt that the change would benefit all involved. “I think this is a great outcome for Ben and the College,” he posited.
And, as Mestre pointed out, Lieber is not moving far. “Even if his new, numerous responsibilities will prevent his from being our dean, I know that his door will still be open.”