In an Intercom post Dec. 9, Bonnie Prunty, vice president of Student Affairs and Campus Life, announced that Austin Reid will assume the role of interim director for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life effective January 2024.

The directorial position was open after Yasin Ahmed, former director for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, resigned from the college Oct. 27. 

In the Intercom post, Prunty said Reid would provide support for students and take on initiatives during his time of transition, as well as help launch the new Religious and Spiritual Life based Residential Learning Community in Spring 2024. Reid previously served as a Springboard Innovation Fellow, a paid two-year position for recent college graduates who wish to enhance Jewish life on college campuses, at Hillel at Ithaca College from 2018–20. 

Prunty said Reid will provide direct support to students who have been impacted by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. 

“He will provide leadership and work with IC affiliates and partner organizations to build avenues for open dialogue, joint initiatives, and programming to facilitate a community rooted in understanding and tolerance that transcends religious differences,” the post said.

As interim director, Reid will continue supporting events hosted by Hillel at Ithaca College and other Jewish-based organizations and weekly Jummah Prayers, led by community affiliate Ashraf Khater.

Prunty said the college will notify the campus community of its further hiring plans in Spring 2024 while searching for a permanent director for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.