Dean aims to foster Disney character’s traits in students
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 10/06/2009
Brandon Reese | Senior Photographer
Pablo Malavenda, the Associate Dean of Students, gets help from his Mickey Mouse collection as he works in his office. Pablo began collecting Mickey Mouse items in 1978, the 50th birthday of Mickey, and even included a tiered Mickey Mouse cake in his wedding.
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The associate dean of students’ office looks more like a Disney World gift shop than a place of business.
Pablo Malavenda has collected hundreds of Mickey Mouse figurines, stemming from his days as his high school’s senior class president. That year, he dressed up as the famous mouse for Homecoming, which featured a celebration of Mickey’s 50th birthday.
Malavenda’s devotion to Mickey Mouse speaks to the characteristics he values and the attitude he brings to his job, where he oversees Student Activities and Organizations. For him to take such an interest in a character, that character must share his values, possess a certain spirit and display a penchant for leadership – all of which he says apply to Mickey. He wishes to help develop these same traits in Purdue students.
As associate dean, Malavenda stresses the importance of student involvement and leadership. In overseeing 878 student organizations, a substantial Greek community and Purdue Student Government – among others – an emphasis on these two things is imperative.
“We aim to graduate leaders more than scholars,” he said, noting that while academics are important, they go only so far with limited leadership ability.
Making himself readily available to students is how Malavenda helps to cultivate leaders at Purdue. His open-door policy makes it easier to tackle any problems students or organizations may face. He prefers to be called “Pablo,” rather than “Dean,” and finds that one of the most important aspects of his job is to stay connected to the students. This often means going to many student events and introducing himself to as many people as possible in an effort to market his services to them.
“Meeting the students is the way I learn and get better,” he said.
Purdue Student Government President Adam Kline works closely with Malavenda. In their many interactions, Kline sees the value of the passion Malavenda brings to his job.
“My favorite part about interactions with Pablo is that I truly believe that he is a great advocate for the students at Purdue,” he said.
Malavenda would not be the great advocate that he is if he did not care for his job. “It’s one of the better jobs on campus,” he said.