New Face in Administration

This summer heralded an administrative change for Pacific Union College, as Nancy Lecourt became the new academic dean and vice president for academic administration. Lecourt, a professor of English, has taught at the college since 1979 and served as the department chair for ten years.

“Dr. Lecourt has shown as a professor and department chair at PUC that she has the leadership qualities and respect from colleagues needed to make an excellent academic dean,” says Richard Osborn, PUC president.

Service is one thing Lecourt hopes to encourage as academic dean. “I hope we can increase our students' opportunities to serve while they are at PUC,” she says. “More important, we hope to prepare them for service throughout their lives no matter what career they choose to pursue.”

She adds that conversation will provide the underpinnings for service: “We want PUC to continue to be a safe environment where students can question and converse, read and ponder about what it means to be an Adventist in the 21st century.”

Lecourt replaces Ileana Douglas, who served as vice president for academic administration since 1999 and left administration to begin a teaching appointment in the PUC history department.

New Face for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble

The PUC music department welcomes Asher Raboy, longtime director of the Napa Valley Symphony, as the PUC Symphonic Wind Ensemble director and teacher of orchestration and counterpoint classes.

Raboy’s impressive conducting career includes serving as the music director of the Napa Valley Symphony since 1990, traveling as a guest conductor, and conducting various symphonies and youth orchestras. Raboy is also a composer and lecturer—and a fan of teaching.

“Education is a big deal to me,” Raboy says. “I have always loved to teach and enjoy the give-and-take with students so much.” Raboy has taught students from a variety of backgrounds and ages. “I find the enthusiasm of students really refreshing,” he explains. “Their ability to make great gains, their willingness to explore new territory—it’s very rewarding and exciting.”

Music department chair Lynn Wheeler feels that Raboy’s experience, energy and skills as a communicator will be a dynamic presence on the campus music scene. “Students are going to receive a very hands-on approach to music,” he says. “They will find that Raboy is an enthusiastic teacher who brings a great deal to their classes.”

“Raboy has so much charisma, and he has a passion for quality,” says music professor Rachelle Berthelsen Davis, who has played under Raboy’s direction. “I’m excited about the opportunity our students have to work with someone who has so much experience.”