J. Thomas Kallunki is a new assistant dean of the College of Student Life, and Jimmy Benally will assume the post of director of Multicultural Services in the Student Leadership Development, said Maren M. Mouritsen, Brigham Young University dean of Student Life.
A former assistant to the Dean of Student Life, Kallunki replaces Ryan Thomas, who is now vice-president of Student Services at Utah Valley State College. Benally takes over from Darlene Oliver, who was named assistant to the director for administration and multicultural services.Kallunki's first assignment at BYU was chair of the Military Science Department. Following his retirement from the military in 1983, he joined the Student Life area as coordinator of Student Activities, and has subsequently served as assistant director of University Standards and an assistant director of Student Leadership Development.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Kallunki received his M.A. in communications from BYU. He has received more than 20 military awards and decorations.
Benally has been the coordinator for Multicultural Academic Support at BYU and has been a major contributor to the university's multicultural and international student support programs. He has been the faculty director for the Discovery Program, a successful summer program for American minority high school students.