Caryl Rivers was the 2007 winner of the Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. She is a nationally known author, journalist, columnist, media critic and professor of journalism at Boston University, and has been reporting about—and commenting on—American life and politics for four decades. As a Washington newspaper correspondent, she cut her journalistic teeth on the civil rights movement and the Kennedy presidency. Later, she wrote on the Vietnam debate, the women’s movement, the rise of the political right, the battles over political correctness and the divides over race, class and gender that have often convulsed the nation for US newspapers and magazines.

She blogs regularly on media and politics for the Huffington Post, is a regular commentator for the award-winning website Women’s e news and her op-eds have appeared in many national publications, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post. Her latest book (of the 14 she has written) is The New Soft War On Women (Tarcher/Penguin) with Brandeis Senior Scholar Rosalind Barnett. It was an Oprah Top Ten Choice. Professor Rivers has co-authored a series of award-winning books with Barnett on the behavioral sciences that debunk myths about women, men, and society.

Her best-selling novels, published around the world, spring from her experiences as a journalist. They have recently been published online by Diversion Press. The Chicago Tribune says, “Few writers are as funny and none funnier, yet she is capable of wrenching your heart and soul.” Her coming-of-age novel Virgins sold a million copies around the globe. Her books have been selections of the Literary Guild, Book of the Month, Doubleday Book Club and Troll Book Club.

As associate provost and dean of students, Kenneth Elmore coordinates the University’s efforts to provide a safe environment where students can find their way within a vibrant academic community. He additionally works with the president and provost to raise philanthropic support for undergraduate student scholarships, and shares the leadership and management of projects associated with student-focused facilities, physical infrastructure, and capital projects.

His duties as dean of students include advising student organizations, planning ways to acclimate students to the University, setting and regulating standards, offering academic support, and helping students navigate career goals, as well as ensuring that the University experience is accessible and creating a vibrant and welcoming living-learning environment. The offices reporting to Elmore—the Community Service Center, Disability Services, Howard Thurman Center, Judicial Affairs, Orientation, Residence Life, and Student Activities—respond to student concerns, help students solve their problems, and help them build communities.

Appointed in 2003, Elmore has more than 25 years of administrative experience in higher education. Prior to his appointment, he managed orientation programs, campus activities, and residence operations at Boston University. He also has practiced law within the Boston area. Elmore earned an AB in psychology from Brown University; an MEd in policy, planning, and administration from Boston University; and a JD from New England Law.