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Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach and Intramural Director David Vespie resigned as R.D. of Kegley, Quillen, and MSA. |
-Photo courtesy of Milligan Web Site |
David Vespie, who came to Milligan a year and a half ago after his graduation from Bluefield College, is no longer serving as resident director of Kegley and Quillen Halls or apartment manager of the Milligan Student Apartments and Suites.
Just after the spring semester began, men’s residence life experienced a significant change in leadership, beginning with Vespie’s resignation.
“Scott Wakefield will now be operating as the resident director of Kegley and Quillen, as well as Webb,” said Danielle Booth, director of student life.
“David gave a lot to the Office of Student Life and has always been very personable and professional,” said Booth. “I will personally miss having [him] on our team.”
Vespie’s primary positions at Milligan included intramural director, assistant men’s basketball coach, in addition to his role as resident director of Kegley, Quillen and MSA.
Vespie said he is leaving the position as resident director and apartment manager because the college handbook prohibits pets on campus.
For his birthday on Jan. 6, Vespie’s wife gave him a dog. Knowing college policy, Vespie said he originally planned to give the dog to a family member.
However, according to Vespie, at a meeting with Fox regarding intramural sports, the subject of his dog came up.
Vespie said Fox gave him the option of getting rid of the dog or moving off campus.
“I made it clear he couldn’t live here with a dog,” said Fox. “I have to enforce policy.”
When Julie Ray lived in MSA as the resident director, she openly had a pet dog.
“I still wanted to be the R.D., I just wanted to keep my dog. He gave me the ultimatum, so I had to choose. Obviously when I found [a] house it made it easier for me,” said Vespie.
According to Vespie, when he informed Fox of his decision to move off campus, Fox told him that, if he followed through, “they would look for someone else for his intramural position in May.”
Fox said he does not recall making this comment.
“That’s probably the result, though,” Fox said. “I have to have someone.”
Fox said that the college tries to package different jobs together, and that the college can’t afford to hire separate people for each position; hence, each of Vespie’s separate positions were contingent upon each other.
According to Vespie’s contract, none of his salary came as a result of his position as resident director.
Fox maintained that he could not comment on salary matters, saying only that the jobs were linked to each other.
Ninety percent of Vespie’s income came from his position as intramural director. His contract with Tony Wallingford, head coach of men’s basketball and golf, is a two-year contract that, according to Fox, will be discussed by Fox and Wallingford.
Prior to classes starting, senior Charlie Kleine resigned from his position as resident assistant of Kegley. His position has been filled by fellow senior Ryan Starr.
“Due to personality conflicts with Mr. Fox, I choose not to work with him,” said Kleine. “I liked working with David Vespie, and when problems arose, he interceded on my behalf.”
The college has given the position of apartment manager to 2002 Milligan graduate Andy Stoots. Stoots, who also serves as assistant and goalkeeper coach of the men’s soccer team, will hold the residence life position at least until May.
Stoots said he plans to continue with soccer regardless of his position as apartment manager.