Joy Moore ’81, H’10

Outside of the classroom, many aspects of the BC experience—Residential Life, Student Involvement, Robsham Theater, the Career Center, and more—fall under the umbrella of the Division of Student Affairs. Overseeing it all is Vice President for Student Affairs Joy Moore ’81, H’10, whose office on the fourth floor of Maloney Hall is a reflection of her commitment to engagement and formation for students and for herself.

From student to alumna to vice president, Joy Moore has lived all sides of the BC experience. A tireless advocate for students, she spends as much time as possible talking with—and listening to—students through weekly office hours, dinners with student groups, and multiple night and weekend activities. And, she draws on her own background to ensure all students feel welcomed and supported at the Heights, for example, providing Muslim students with 3 a.m. meals when Ramadan fell during finals week. Her experiences will be especially helpful in her newest role as the inaugural executive director of the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success, in which Moore will oversee outreach and academic support programs for underrepresented, first-generation, low-income students.

In Her Own Words

On Connecting with Community…

“We know from the research that the sooner a student gets involved in their new community, the more successful they will be, so we put a lot of effort and energy into those first months. Then, for those students who are older and haven’t gotten involved, we look for new ways to get them engaged, new possibilities for them to consider.”

On Self-Care…

“I’m a firm believer in having a good foundation around your health and doing things that uplift you, and I try to encourage that in our students. Whatever it is that nourishes them, whether reciting lines at Robsham Theater, serving in a student club, going on retreats, or exercising—it is all a part of keeping a healthy balance. For myself, I do Bikram yoga three or four times a week. I’m a practicing vegan, so that keeps me focused on making healthy choices in my diet. And I enjoy some good old quiet time. In fact, I went on a silent retreat with a small group of colleagues from other Jesuit colleges a few years ago. It was a genuinely moving experience, one I hope to repeat often.”

On Working with Students…

“From the start, I’ve tried to create an environment where students feel comfortable to speak their minds, where they feel the trust and are confident to speak up about any concern they might have. It’s not always something I can solve, but they know I am willing to listen, to hear them out. And usually, we find a way to help.”

To learn more about Joy Moore and the Division of Student Affairs, visit bc.edu/studentaffairs.

Beacon Leadership Conversations

Since the pivot to online learning this spring, Joy has led the effort to ensure a safe and smooth transition for students and to encourage continued student engagement. Click here to see a Beacon Leaders Conversation featuring Joy and Craig Burns, director of University Counseling Services, which is part of Student Affairs.

Watch or Listen