Cornell's Graduate School has named Brenda Wickes '85 assistant dean for graduate student life, a new position created to oversee all aspects of graduate student life and help build a stronger graduate community.

Wickes will be responsible for all student life activities and events sponsored by the Graduate School, including the Big Red Barn Graduate Student Center and graduate student orientation. She also will provide graduate student support services and coordinate responses to student crises, and will work alongside other university units to address such issues as housing, child care, and stress and mental health within an academic environment.

Wickes began her new duties July 16. She previously worked in Cornell's Office of Campus Life as graduate residence manager for 11 years, working closely with graduate students and their families. She also has been a member of Cornell's Crisis Community Support Team for three years.

Wickes' appointment reflects a transformation of the graduate student life position from a director to an assistant dean, underscoring the Graduate School's commitment to student needs.

"Brenda brings the perfect combination of experience to this important position," said Graduate School Dean Alison G. Power. "Supporting the graduate student community and serving their needs is a big part of this job, and Brenda understands graduate students."

As assistant dean, Wickes will help serve the needs of graduate students with families and children, as well as those under the auspices of the International Students and Scholars Office. International students comprise approximately 40 percent of Cornell's diverse graduate and professional student population.

Wickes' institutional knowledge and her extensive experience with graduate students and international communities will "be so helpful in making connections and getting students the resources they need," said J. Ellen Gainor, associate dean of the Graduate School.

Wickes will also work closely with Gannett Health Services and the Dean of Students Office, as well as help the Graduate School to provide career service assistance to its constituents.

"We see her as a very important liaison, as someone who connects and does outreach on behalf of the Graduate School to other important units and groups," Gainor said.