An anonymous Bwog tipster has forwarded us the following farewell email, which details the departure of Dr. Ajay Nair (right), Associate Dean of Student Affairs/Office of Multicultural Affairs. Dr. Nair will be returning to UPenn (where he was Director of the Pan-Asian American Community House) to serve as Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs.

So say hello to new (but interim) Associate Dean of Student Affairs for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Melinda Aquino. (That's her on the left.) You might remember Aquino from her position as Senior Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs. According to the OMA website, Aquino has previously worked at the University of Florida, the University of Miami, and Washington Sq.-based archenemy NYU. Also, "her current work examines cultural hybrity and 'techo-Orientalism' in cyborg science fiction literature and films."

Email after the jump.

Dear Student,

I am writing to inform you that Dr. Ajay Nair, Associate Dean of
Student Affairs/Office of Multicultural Affairs will be returning to
the University of Pennsylvania to assume the role of Associate Vice
Provost for Student Affairs later in July.

In his two years here, Dr. Nair has been a dynamic and contributing
member of the student affairs team for Columbia College and The Fu
Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Under his
leadership, the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) has developed
stronger opportunities for engagement between alumni and students
through mentorship programs and events, enhanced our diversity
education programs, and greatly increased the visibility of the
Intercultural Resource Center and the Intercultural House. OMA's
commitment to diversity education programs continues to benefit our
community immeasurably. In the coming academic year, we will conclude
an independent assessment of the services provided by the Office of
Multicultural Affairs. This assessment and the resulting
recommendations will influence the continued development of the office
and its programs.

Melinda Aquino has accepted the role of Interim Associate Dean of
Student Affairs for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. In her
role, Dean Aquino will be responsible for the leadership of the Office
of Multicultural Affairs. As a member of the OMA staff for the past
three years, I am confident in the leadership and vision she will
provide for the office.

While Dr. Nair will be greatly missed, I know that he is excited to
return to his home and serve in this valuable position for the
University of Pennsylvania. In his new role, Dr. Nair will provide
leadership for all aspects of student affairs and activities while
also serving as a Faculty Fellow in the College Houses and Academic
Services at the University of Pennsylvania.

Please join me in wishing Dr Nair and his family all the best as they
pursue this exciting opportunity for his career.

Sincerely,

Chris Colombo
Dean of Student Affairs
Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science