Both current students and recently graduated alumni have come together over the past 48 hours to protest the administration’s decision to not renew the contract of Dr. Barbara LoMonaco as Vice President of Student Affairs at Salve Regina. Having previously served as a professor, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Dean of Students at Transylvania University, Dr. LoMonaco came to Salve Regina University in 2015 with extensive experience in teaching and administrational work. Dr. LoMonaco played an integral role in the lives of plenty of students including rising senior and Service Advocate Darren Christie to whom Mosaic reached out:
“As a freshman you feel lost. She taught me how to pick classes, get around Newport, and live life in college. Dr. LoMonaco really goes out of her way to connect with students.”
On May 21, it became public knowledge that Dr. Barbara LoMonaco’s contract with Salve Regina was not renewed, and students quickly took to social media in protest. Current students and alumni used their Instagram stories to show their support for Dr. LoMonaco. Former president of SGA and class of 2018 graduate Lauren Healy began the campaign on Monday. Those who were interested in protesting direct messaged Lauren in support or posted on their social media. Rising senior and anthropology student Angali Gordon noted to Mosaic:
“Barbara has taught me about things that the higher ups at Salve will never ever be able to begin to measure… I am confident in saying that there are few people in this world that can effectively do all that she can do the way she does it.”
Eventually, a letter penned by former and current SGA Presidents Edward Cullinane (19’) and Jennifer Page (20’) made its way around social media:
“SGA’s primary responsibility is advocating for students and being a bridge between the student body and administration. The voice of students is often left out of the conversation on our campus… Dr. LoMonaco’s departure will only contribute to this problem.”
When asked to comment about Dr. LoMonaco’s impact on himself and Salve as a whole, former SGA President Edward Cullinane had this to say:
“She has been an incredible model and mentor. Dr. LoMonaco has been able to teach me so much about the field [of higher education], wrote me recommendations, and was always there to answer questions. I know this is the experience of many students, and she is often going above and beyond the requirements for her job.”
With the support of major leaders in the Student Government Association and the student body, Salve Regina University’s administration will be forced to answer to the dissent surrounding Dr. Barbara LoMonaco’s contract. If the administration fails to do so, it will only reinforce the belief that student’s voices and opinions are not valued on Salve Regina’s campus. If someone pays upwards of 40,000$ a year for something, they should have a say in how that something functions.
To take part in the protest, message @lolofreshhealy on Instagram or laurenjhealy18@gmail.com, or contact your SGA Senator or President Jennifer Page.
A previous version of this story was corrected to reflect the fact that the contract wasn’t renewed.
