After nine years of working at Emporia State, Shanti Ramcharan, director of Disability Services, will pursue a new position on the Johnson County Community College campus.

“I was offered a great opportunity to work with returning veterans in the Kansas City area,” Ramcharan said. “(I will be) helping them further their educational and career goals.”

Davy Dollins, an administrative assistant in the Student Advising Center, has worked with Ramcharan since January, when the SAC and Disability Services officially merged offices.

“Shanti’s dedication to her job and the students of ESU has made her amazing to work with,” Dollins says. “She will be greatly missed

Disability Services provides students with physical and learning disabilities the opportunity to get a healthy college education like students without disabilities. It offers out of classroom test-taking areas, as well as counseling services. It also gives those students the opportunity to attend disability-related and non-related events on campus. There is an application process involved.

Michael Sopkin, junior studio art major, has worked with Ramcharan for three leaves.

“I actually don’t know (why she’s leaving),” Sopkin said. “(but) she’s been here for quite a bit of time.”

Currently, ESU has not found a replacement for the Director. There is, however, a search underway. A new director, according to Ramcharan, should be “in place in the coming weeks.”

“My last day is Friday, but the office will remain open and staffed,” Ramcharan said. “We’re not anticipating any interruptions in service.”

Dollins said they are excited to see what skills and experiences a new director will bring.

“We’re looking forward to exploring new ideas and opportunities,” Dollins said.

Though losing their Director, Disability Services will not lose its spark, according to Ramcharan.

“ESU has a longstanding commitment to full access and participation for students with disabilities,” Ramcharan said. “That commitment is campus-wide and will continue during this transition, just as it has during previous transitions. All our faculty and staff work very hard to ensure that students with disabilities have a great experience here at ESU.”

To celebrate the successful years Ramcharan had at the university, there will be a short reception from 3:30-5 p.m. today in the Greek Room of the Memorial Union.