Linfield University has named Lainie Sowell as the director for student care and support. Her first day in this position was July 1.
In this new role, Sowell will lead the McMinnville campus’s Care Team (formerly Student Success Team) in responding to and supporting students through educational and personal challenges that may interfere with their learning, development and success at Linfield. These concerns include but are not limited to mental health, academic challenges, social or interpersonal conflict and balancing life commitments both on and off campus. The Care Team will facilitate student access to and appropriate use of university and/or community services, and support students in building skills of problem-solving and self-advocacy to overcome future barriers.
Sowell has been at Linfield since July 2019 as the area director for student success. She previously worked at Lewis & Clark College in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Pioneer Success Institute. She also has experience in special education and teacher training. She will continue to live in on-campus housing for the next calendar year, continuing to share the duties of the area director on-call rotation.
“I am thrilled to devote my attention entirely to supporting our students’ holistic wellbeing,” Sowell said. “Our students are people first – they are juggling many commitments and challenges while pursuing their education. It is an important and positive step for Linfield, particularly in the wake of 2020, to open an office dedicated solely to supporting them in navigating and overcoming life’s challenges.”
Sowell earned her Master of Arts in student affairs administration from Lewis & Clark in 2019 and her Bachelor of Ars in special education from Converse College in 2013. She is licensed in psychological first aid, CPR, AED and first aid.
“Creating a position that will allow Lainie to focus full time on care issues on campus will have a positive impact on students success at Linfield,” Jeff Mackay, dean of students, said.
Sowell can be located in the Dean of Students’ office in Melrose 110 and can be reached via phone at 503-883-2352 or email at ksowell@linfield.edu or care@linfield.edu.
