Brenda Hunt Takes Over OSEAL Amid Recent Leadership Turnover

Matthew Willar 

News Editor 

Assumption University announced that Brenda Hunt has transitioned roles in the Division of Student Affairs. She now serves as Assistant Dean for Community and Engagement, serving in the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership (OSEAL). 

Hunt has worked at Assumption since 2022, beginning as the Director of the ALANA (African, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) Network and First Generation Student Success. She held that role until Jan. 2025, when she became the Senior Director for Access, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Cross-Cultural Center (CCC). 

In her new role, Hunt has assumed responsibility for OSEAL, which has recently seen significant staff turnover. The office was formerly run by George Kuntz, who served as Director before leaving the university in September. No replacement for Kuntz has been named since his departure. Former Student Engagement Coordinator Jared Magno also left his role last month.

In an email sent to students on Oct. 30 from Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, Debbie Heida, and Vice President for Student Success, Conway Campbell, they shared, “In this new role, Brenda will continue to lead the Cross Cultural Center, support student organizations, oversee orientation, and advance initiatives for first-generation students.” 

Students and faculty across campus are reacting to Hunt’s transition to OSEAL. Reiley DeVall, the Records and Communication Executive for Campus Activities Board (CAB), commented on the leadership change. She said, “I think that Brenda is going to bring some refreshing ideas to the table and hopefully get the OSEAL office back on track after all the changes that have been going on.” 

With all of the leadership changes, CAB has had to adjust its initial plans and goals for the year. DeVall shared, “Our main goal this year is data collection to see what the student body is into currently so we can better improve our programs and I think Brenda will have some inner knowledge of the student body since she’s been working with the CCC so closely.” 

Aside from CAB, another key organization that works under OSEAL is the Student Government Association (SGA). Lauren Tempesta, the Vice President for the Class of 2026 and a Senator for SGA, shared, “Over the years Brenda has worked hard to foster community at Assumption while advocating for and supporting students. I look forward to working with her more closely through SGA. She has made a positive impact on Assumption and I cannot wait to see all that she continues to do.” 

Despite initial enthusiasm for Hunt’s new role and a new face in OSEAL to fill the void of Kuntz and Magno, there is still concern over the consistent turnover and the people taking over some large positions on campus. 

An anonymous student shared, “Some students are worried about accountability issues in OSEAL now that they are working together so closely and are such good friends outside of work.” 

Tempesta added, “I am not going to lie it has been a difficult transition for SGA as there have been many changes to advisors and leadership in Student Affairs. I look forward to a time where there is more stability.”