Karen Benzinger is excited about the opportunities afforded by her new position as acting executive director of student affairs.

“The role is about working with and supporting our students across the student affairs portfolio,” she says. “I am looking forward to exploring how best to meet the needs of students throughout the institution in order to enhance the student experience.”

She took on the new role at the start of the month, taking a leave from the Student Success Centre to succeed Brooke White, who has retired.

Benzinger was a good fit as the University reshapes its relationship with students, says dean of students Clayton Smith, citing her previous stints in student transition support, career services and student disability services.

“Karen has a wide-ranging set of experiences at the University that takes in almost all aspects of student affairs,” he says. “We wanted someone who could connect well with our students and our student affairs staff.”

He says she will fill the role while the University evaluates the position and begins a search for a permanent hire.