By Sarah Haberecht

Two BGSU administrators were recently in the running for a high-level position at the University of Toledo.

Ron Binder, the University’s associate director of Residence Life and director of Greek Affairs, and Nick Hennessy, the University’s associate director of Residence Life for Educational Initiatives, were two of four finalists for the position of dean of students and associate vice president for student life at UT.

Neither got the job though, as UT named Zauyah Waite, director of student life at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as the new dean of students and associate vice president for student life on Feb. 15.

Patricia Besner, interim associate vice president and Dean of Students at UT, said they needed someone to unite students and the institution.

“[UT] is looking for someone of management position with good communication skills,” she said, “someone who can connect with students and who could build bridges between the students and the university.”

The position required applicants to be highly experienced in working with diverse students and taking on leadership and guidance rolls.

Both Binder and Hennessy chose not to comment to The BG News for this story.

Though neither BGSU administrator got the job, Amanda Miller, sophomore, was surprised they even applied at the rival school.

“It is rather shocking to me that someone would think about going from Bowling Green to Toledo,” Miller said. “It’s not that it makes me mad, but it definitely comes as a surprise.”

But Matt Federico, Sigma Nu fraternity president, said Binder and Hennessy were probably just trying to take the next step in advancing their professional careers.

“They’d be doing what’s best for their career and going to where they can make the biggest impact on students,” Federico said.

According to the UT Web site, “The dean of students is responsible for directing and developing programs to enhance the quality of student life. Additional responsibilities include supervising the various offices in the Division of Student Life, and implementing programs and policies.”