Many applications have been received, and several candidates have visited campus, says vice president of student affairs Dr. Joseph Horton, who oversees health services and related aspects of student life. He thinks a hire is possible soon, and would like the position to be filled at least by the start of the second semester.

"We had some good candidates on campus," Horton told the Crier.

Two of those candidates were offered the position after their visit, and both declined after considering it for personal reasons.

With Richards' retirement in the spring, a search committee was appointed and is chaired by Dr. Alicia Finn, dean of students. Ashley Pratte '11 and Jerry Cournoyer '09 represent the student body, and join athletic trainer Neil Duval, Prof. Kathleen Perrin of the nursing department, and Prof. Joseph Troisi of the psychology department.

The health services director works closely with athletic training staff to look after student athletes and oversees staff that address both health care (nursing) and psychological needs of students.

While the search is on-going, staff in health services says that the office is business as usual.

"Its going well," Claudette Perreault, administrative assistant, told the Crier. "I wouldn't say we'd like to stay like this forever. . . Everyone does a little bit of everything."

"We're certainly functioning fine," agreed Karen Kenny, MSW, a counselor in health services. "It would be nice to have that cohe sive glue."

The absence affects the programs and services offered by health services less than it changes the way the office operates, Kenny and Perreault feel. Systems and routines are in place that allow the services to continue smoothly, and the staff picks up the extra work.

"I'm having more interfacing with different departments that I hadn't had contact with before," Kenny said.

Programs such as Alcohol Edu, required of all incoming students, operate according to plan, although the clinic sees an ever-increasing workload.

"The census is up as far as the number of students" health services is seeing, said nurse practitioner Sue Savoy.

Just as the number of students visiting health services is increasing, so is the demand for nurses in the industry. This spells good news for Saint Anselm graduates, but makes those with advanced education and administrative experience -- the type the College seeks for this position -- especially valuable. In addition to seeking out qualified candidates and making phone calls, the search committee has placed advertising on national and local websites and publications, and seeks interest from candidates currently in education and clinical settings.

"We're looking for a nurse practitioner," Horton explained, who can provide "administrative leadership as well as clinical supervision." The office includes three nurse practitioners and five nurses, as well as counseling staff.

The job posting advertises for candidates with a "Master's degree in healthcare or related field, with eligibility for state licensure/certification (nurse practitioner certification or doctorate preferred); three to five years of administrative experience in ambulatory care/emergency department, clinical settings, and administration of an educational health service, preferably in higher education; familiarity with and understanding of traditional Catholic ethical positions."

While positions in education are traditionally filled in the summer, on a July 1 through June 31 contract, the cycle can be different, particularly if a hire is made from a clinical setting, where contracts are tied to an academic year. The date is less important, Horton suggests, than getting the "right candidate."

"We have been very careful," Horton said. "My experience has been that discernment. . . is a worthwhile end and essential to get the right person with the right fit."

The "right fit" candidate has to fit with the health services staff, student affairs unit, and the college's Catholic identity.

"We have a very competent staff of nurses, nurse practitioners, and counselors who hold it together," Horton said of the health services staff.

"This is a very important position," said Perreault. "You're looking after the welfare of the students."

For those reasons and more, many say that Richards' place will be challenging to fill. After renovations that transformed the lower level of Cushing from a dining hall to a student center, Richards was hired as the college's first director of health services. Prior to health services, the college operated a 24-hour clinic out of Alumni Hall, in the area below the Chapel Arts Center, Fr. John Fortin, OSB, told the Crier.

"A person with Connie Richards' tenure and ability is hard to replace," said Horton.

"She was the grand mother," said Kenny, with an extra emphasis on grand.

This article was published on December 15, 2008 on page 2 of the Saint Anselm Crier.