Several significant personnel changes are taking place this summer in the Student Activity Center.

Student Activities Assistant Director Thomas Hailey left SMU to take a job with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Foundation. The SAE Foundation is the non-profit wing of the SAE fraternity, and it is responsible for identifying potential donors and fundraising. Hailey will assume the position of Regional Campaign Director and oversee the “Dennis Region,” which encompasses 28 chapters in seven states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico, among others.

Hailey’s responsibilities will include working with the chapters in his region, including SMU’s SAE chapter, to establish endowments to fund various leadership programs.

While Hailey is leaving his position at the SAC, he will remain on the Hilltop, as he will continue his studies in the Cox School MBA program.

Hailey, who began advising the Student Senate this past school year, said he would miss working with students.

Incoming Student Body President Taylor Russ said of Hailey in an e-mail, “Thomas has been an incredible asset for the Student Senate and will be dearly missed. His hard work, persistence, and caring attitude toward our student leaders has been outstanding. Thomas’ emphasis on organization, his passion for positive results, and his willingness to, at times, play the devil’s advocate helped me and other student leaders become more mature and empathetic. Thomas may be moving on as our advisor, but he will always be a true friend and mentor.”

Also leaving the SAC is Program Advisor Traci Ray. Ray announced her departure early in the spring semester. Ray will be attending University of Tennessee to work on a doctorate in counseling psychology with an emphasis in behavioral analysis. She hopes to work with mentally and physically challenged individuals after she earns her degree.

Ray said after three years at SMU, the time was right to move on. “All the pieces were in the right place,” she said.

“I will always remember how beautiful this campus is and how talented the students are,” Ray said.

After being the advisor for Program Council for the past three years, Ray said she feels there is a strong foundation that her successor can build on to help to improve Program Council and the events they sponsor.

A search committee has been formed to identify potential candidates to replace both Hailey and Ray. Panhellenic and Multicultural Greek Council advisor Shannon Summerlin is heading the committee, who will make a recommendation to Student Activities Director Arlene Manthey. Manthey will then make a recommendation to Dr. Dee Siscoe, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, who will make the final decision.

Arlene Manthey will also be taking on different responsibilities next year. Currently serving as Student Activities Director, Manthey will begin working as a development officer.

Manthey said many of the details of her new position are still being worked out, but she is confident that while there are many changes, “there will be no lapses in services” offered in the SAC.

“The students are the most important,” Manthey said.