New IEB Dean: Introducing Dr. Hampton
Dr. Lynn Hampton has joined the SLU community as the new Associate Dean of Students for Intercultural Engagement, Inclusion & Belonging for Fall 2025.
Hampton expressed her gratitude for the welcoming attitude of the campus community. Her first week at SLU was during the Orientation Leader, Community Assistant, and Thrive Mentor training, where she connected with student leaders and learned more about student orientation and student success initiatives. “I got immersed right into that experience, but in a good way,” she said. Hampton prioritizes “building more welcoming and inclusive spaces collectively and holistically for all students at SLU.” She aims to work closely with theme house members and collaborate with these members on their projects. “I’m looking forward to going to Home Away from Home Dinner and also supporting that in any way that I can, and I’ve also been invited to be a judge for La Casa’s El Carnival,” she said. Lastly, she is partnering with Student Activities, Residential Life, First-Year Program, and other campus organizations on integrating “listen, respect, and engage” pillars into the community.
She keeps her door open at the Student Center to make students feel welcome. “I love when students just walk up and introduce themselves, telling me who they are, and what their role is on campus,” she said. “I would also just love to be invited to houses,” Hampton added, expressing her hope to join more student events and learn more about their spaces to better support them.
Anja Simic ’26 highlighted her concerns about the DEI conversations during orientation for new students. “The first conversation you have is like a presentation on home away from home where you basically discuss nothing regarding DEI, but it’s categorized as DEI,” she said. “It’s the school’s responsibility to level us as a student body instead of babying some students and letting the international students or the BIPOC students be the ones who are teaching on the ground.” She would like to see an open forum initiative and the book club back again to create a space for students, staff, and faculty to get involved in DEI issues without ‘pointing fingers at each other.’
Noah Donnellan-Doser ’26 wishes to see more university-sponsored events or forums, such as round-table discussions with professors or mandated mixers that bring students together to discuss topics that they might otherwise feel uncomfortable discussing. “I think these events should be driven by students, but more properly supported by the university administration,” he said. “I think Dr. Hampton will be a great addition to SLU dynamics.”
Dr. Hampton is hosting a casual meet and greet on Friday, Sept. 12 on the third floor of the Student Center for students to get to know her. Those who attend can expect free pizza, a safe and positive space to share thoughts, and a chance to meet new peers and build a community.