U. picks alumna to head Afr. American Center

University President Judith Rodin announced the appointment of Jeanne Arnold to the position of director for the African American Resource Center yesterday after a lengthy 18-month search. Arnold will officially take over the position November 27. Allen Green, the last permanent director, left his post on July 1, 1994 to become dean of the College at Wesleyan University. Since then Isabel Sampson-Mapp has served as the acting director of the Resource Center. She will continue as assistant director under Arnold's tenure, although she refused to comment last night about Arnold's appointment. "Jeanne is an outstanding administrator who has dedicated her career to improving life for others," Rodin said. "The search committee did an excellent job in finding a wise and able counselor with wonderful leadership skills. "I look forward to working with her," Rodin added. According to Arnold, the first round of interviews for the position began in July, exactly a year after the position was vacated. "The search was a very thorough and careful effort," Arnold said. "I met with numerous people from the campus. Various departments and offices were represented. "I think it was a real good representation of the campus at large," she added. Arnold, who has 15 years of experience in counseling, social work and human resources, is currently director of human resources and community relations for the Philadelphia Crime Prevention Association. Arnold, a University alumna, received her master's degree in social work from the University 15 years ago. "I am very excited about the opportunity to come back to Penn," Arnold said. "I jumped at the chance to be a part of campus, and represent African American faculty, staff and students on campus because [Penn] was such a positive experience for me." As of last night, news of Arnold's appointment had not yet spread. "I am glad that an appointment has been made but I haven't heard anything about it," said Larry Burnley, director of the Greenfield Intercultural Center. United Minorities Council Chairperson Onyx Finney said she had also not heard of the appointment. "I am shocked that it took so long to appoint someone to the position," the College senior said. "I am not even sure what the African American Resource Center does -- something to do with support services I think." Arnold said the first thing she wants to do when she assumes her position as director is to talk to people and get feedback about their needs. "Once I talk to as many people as I can, I'll have the opportunity to provide some good advice to the president and other senior administrators," Arnold said. "I am just really excited?[about] getting to know the campus again and getting to meet people and find out how I can help them."