University Relations & Administration

Administration and University Relations is comprised of seven departments and approximately 60 employees. Our departments include the Trustee Coordinator’s Office; Human Resources (HR); Housing, Conferences and Hospitality (HCH); Public Safety, Facilities and Special Projects; the Acorn Academy; and Legal Affairs.

Administration and University Relations also oversees the budgets and general activities of a number of university-wide commissions including the University Sexual Harassment Committee and the University Space Committee. Administration and University Relations operates the Drew University Speakers Forum Series. This office is responsible for securing appropriate legal counsel as needed. In addition, this office is the official liaison on local, state and federal matters.

Land Use Master Plan

The Land Use Master Plan is now available for viewing.

Staff

Vice President of Administration and University Relations – Dr. Margaret E. L. (Peggi) Howard

Dr. Howard is responsible for the seven departments that comprise Administration and University Relations. She also oversees all University legal activity and serves as a Presidential advisor on all administrative issues and policies. Dr. Howard is the Drew University liaison on local, state and federal matters. Dr. Howard’s direct reports are listed below.

Administrative Assistant & Insurance Claims Coordinator - Elizabeth (Betty) Bruno

Ms. Bruno manages all administrative functions for this office. She serves as the coordinator for the seven administrative departments for Dr. Howard. In addition, Ms. Bruno is also the insurance claims coordinator, functioning as contact for both internal and external requests on insurance claims and certificate matters. Ms. Bruno also helps with special projects.

Executive Director of Facilities & Special Projects – Michael (Mike) Kopas

Mr. Kopas oversees the management, technical support and operational service to all University facilities and properties. This service includes all maintenance of building systems and campus grounds as well as the oversight of the University’s construction activity. Emergency response services are also available around the clock and specialized technical assistance and assesment are also provided in areas such as energy management savings, recycling, and labor productivity. Visit the Facilities Website.

In addition, Mr. Kopas serves as a liaison for the town of Madison. Mr. Kopas plans and implements the Drew Forum and the Thomas H. Kean lectures and is also a troubleshooter for both the President and the Vice President on issues affecting students, faculty and staff.

Trustee Coordinator - Patricia (Pat) Schwartz

Ms. Schwartz is the Trustee Coordinator and works closely with the Board of Trustees Chair. Ms. Schwartz handles all activities for the Trustees, including coordinating Board and Committee meetings and special Trustee events. Visit the Trustee Website.

Director of Human Resources - Deborah Raikes-Colbert

Deborah Raikes-Colbert is the Director of Human Resources. The mission of Human Resources is to support all educational goals of the University through fair, effective and efficient administration of recruitment, career enhancement and benefit programs for the Drew community. Visit the Human Resources website.

Executive Director of Housing, Conferences and Hospitality (HCH) - Patricia (Pat) Naylor

Ms. Naylor is the Director of Housing, Conferences and Hospitality. HCH manages the use of all non-academic space, coordinating hundreds of Drew meetings, conferences and related events. These arrangements include a wide spectrum of events, ranging from alumni weddings and the annual Alumni Weekend to the University Speakers Forum Series and Muliticultural Conferences. There are a variety of summer activities such as the Governor’s School for the Sciences and several dozen sports camps, three of which are residential camps that involve about 500 children. HCH also coordinates all student housing in conjunction with residence life in order to place students in residence halls, as well as faculty and guest housing. Visit the HCH website.

Director of Public Safety - Robert (Rob) Lucid

Chief Lucid is the Director of Public Safety. The office of Public Safety is staffed with thirteen full and part-time officers who protect the campus 24 hours a day through means of crime prevention and investigation, fire safety, traffic regulation, enforcement of University regulations and state and local laws, and are trained in CPR, Emergency Response, defibrillation and advanced first aid techniques. Officers are also trained in a variety of other areas, such as Rape Aggression Defense and Defensive Driving. The officers patrol campus by car, foot and bicycle, and when necessary they work closely with the Madison Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Visit the Public Safety website.

Executive Director of the Acorn Academy - Nancy Opperthauser

Ms. Opperthauser is the Director of the Acorn Academy, formerly known as the Child Development Center. She oversees the Acorn Academy, which opened in 1993 as a benefit to Drew faculty, staff and students. The Academy is state approved and licensed, and all staff meet licensing requirements. The Acorn Academy is located adjacent to campus and offers childcare for infants through six years of age on a full-time or part-time basis. In addition, a kindergarten class was added in the Fall of 2010. The convenient location allows moms and dads to visit their children easily during lunchtime and to attend special holiday events.

Director of Legal Affairs – William (Bill) Brown

Mr Brown is the University’s first Director of Legal Affairs. Legal Affairs will provide legal guidance on higher education issues, policies, regulations and practices. This department will also oversee litigation, reviewing complaints, briefs, motions and depositions.