Ferris’ Office of Multicultural Student Services faces a significant change in leadership as its director and assistant director part ways with the university to accept jobs elsewhere.
Michael Hopson and Byron Brooks were chosen for their roles at OMSS at the beginning of the spring semester and after three months, have left the office. Brooks, former assistant director, has started a new job at Yale University’s Afro-American Cultural Center.
Brooks was unavailable to comment at this time.
OMSS interim director Colleen Green has been working for the university for two months. Despite the change in leadership, Green plans to keep OMSS’ resources available in full effect.
“Hopson and Brooks were able to create educational programs for the students, staff, and faculty on campus,” Green said. “Services of OMSS will not be affected.”
Green feels that OMSS is a great place for students to come to and encourages new members to check it out.
“From my perspective, I have had nothing but great interactions and community since being on this campus. Everyone has been helpful and willing to answer questions and be of assistance throughout these past few months.” Green said.
Business administration junior Khi Hunt is an OMSS employee. He believes that even though the change in leadership is difficult, it has taught the employees and members of the office to “roll with the punches.”
“We have new students from high schools that are coming and looking at us,” Hunt said. “We are still up and running as normal, and [we’re] doing what we can for our members.”
Psychology senior Rayona Charles is a member of OMSS. She acknowledges the team’s effort in keeping the office running as usual.
“The biggest way to keep things going is for everyone to work together,” Charles said. “Right now, there are student employees that have higher positions and that are trying to keep everything going… to make sure that the events are still possible to the best extent they can be. When we actually work as a team and we keep getting those events pushed out, then it’s less of a negative impact.”
Though OMSS is looking to fill the positions of a new director and assistant director. OMSS workers and members encourage other students to stop by the office. They are looking forward to their future events, including their end-of-the-year picnic that will take place in April.
CULTURE EDITOR GD
C.E. – EC/RS