This December will usher in staffing changes in the President’s Office and the Office for Civil Rights. Samantha Hughes, director of the Office for Civil Rights/Title IX coordinator, will now serve as senior director of presidential operations and assistant secretary to the Board of Trustees. Civil Rights/Title IX Deputy Coordinator Kevin Peterson will replace Hughes in her current role as director. 

While there was a national search to fill the position in the President’s Office, the College ultimately selected Hughes. Hughes has served on the Hill since 1997, in roles ranging from dean of residential life to interim vice president for student affairs. In her new role, Hughes will supervise operations within the President’s office, working closely with campus groups and figures, including Chief of Staff Susan Morse and the General Council.

Peterson will fill the vacancy left by Hughes in the Office for Civil Rights, a department that  investigates discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, cases of harassment and more. Hughes expressed confidence that Peterson has a combination of talent and experience that will allow him to succeed in his new role. 

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as the College’s Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator,” Hughes wrote in an email to the Collegian. “I can’t think of a more capable person to assume leadership of the Civil Rights Office than Kevin Peterson. Kevin’s sound judgment, thoughtfulness and care for all people position him well to lead this important work.” 

Peterson expressed similar gratitude for his time in the Office for Civil Rights so far, hoping to maintain and build upon the relationship he and Hughes have established with the school community. “I am extremely thankful for all that [Hughes] has taught me and I hope to build on the strong foundation she has established,” Peterson wrote in an email to the Collegian. “I never want to forget or take for granted the trust students, staff and faculty put in us during some of their most difficult days.” 

These changes will be effective as of Dec. 4; a search to replace Peterson in his role as deputy has already commenced.