This is a compilation of some employees who have left Chatham University over this academic year. Any information not sent out in an email was attained through talking to Bill Campbell, vice president of marketing and communications, or through public social media profiles.

Heather Black – Dean of Students

After over 12 years working at Chatham, Black had her last day on Aug. 10, 2021. She accepted a new position at Buena Vista
University as vice president for student success. Chris Purcell, Ph.D., has been appointed the new Dean of Students after serving as interim Dean of Students immediately after Black’s departure.

Devin Fabian – Associate Director of Residence Life

Fabian’s last day at Chatham was Oct. 14, 2021. He worked at Chatham for seven years. He accepted a new position as associate director of residence life at Case Western Reserve University. The university is still on a search for a new associate director of residence life.

Randi Congleton, Ph.D. – Chief Diversity Officer

Congleton left Chatham at the end of October after she accepted a new position at University of Pittsburgh to become the assistant vice chancellor for equity and inclusion. Juan Mendizabal, assistant director of interfaith cooperation and diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) will take on the role of Congleton while the university searches for a new chief diversity officer.

Valerie Townsend – Chief of Police

Townsend accepted a new position with Allegheny County and completed her last day at Chatham at the end of October. Donna Grossi, a former sergeant with the Chatham police force,  is the new Chief of Police

Kelly Donkers – Associate professor and academic coordinator of PA program

Donkers left Chatham after working for 13 years at the end of October. To fill Donkers role, L’lee Janicki was hired as a full-time professor in October.

Kristen Spirl – Grounds Department Manager

Spirl left Chatham in October after 11 years on the job. She started a new position as grounds supervisor at Duquesne University.  Alyse Richmond, Chatham’s head gardener, was hired as Spirl’s replacement in October. 

Katie Cruger – Associate professor and communication director

Cruger retired from Chatham after 10 years here, but she still does teach some classes as an adjunct. Sara Bauknecht was hired as a full-time professor, and a new communication director is in the final stages of the hiring process. 

Pat Downey, Ph.D. – Dean of Health Sciences

Downey will be retiring at the end of this academic year after seven years at Chatham.  An application for the position is open on the University’s job board. A national search for a new dean is underway. 

Darlene Motley – Dean of School of Arts, Science and Business

Motley will be retiring at the end of the academic year after over eight years at the University. A national search for a new dean is underway.