No reason to be bored at JCC, dean says

 

By James W. Jenkins

Staff Writer

 

Stephen Bloomfield is the Assistant Dean for Student Life here at JCC, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him. Dressed casual in slacks and a cotton shirt, Bloomfield is excited about being interviewed.

“I’m glad The Phoenix is back. It’s good for the students to have their own voice,” he says before turning to type frantically at his keyboard.  

Stephen Bloomfield is a very busy man.

“My schedule is a real whirlwind right now,” he says as he finishes up whatever he was typing. Leaning back in his chair he puts his feet up on the desk and gazes blissfully at the baseball he holds in his hand. He inspects the red stitches thoroughly as if he is remembering his days in college.

Bloomfield has a bachelors degree from Albion College and a master’s of education from North Arizona University.

He enjoys older movies, “I loved Silence of the Lambs. I also liked that Tom Cruise movie, the one where he’s a lawyer.” Bloomfield also enjoys reading when he has free time. “I read the book (Silence of the Lambs) and I think the film really did the book justice.” Bloomfield was even kind enough to give some advice to aspiring writers, “To be a good writer you have to write concisely. You also have to have an economy of words.”

Along with being a fun and easy going guy, Bloomfield is someone who genuinely cares about the students. When asked if he was excited about the return of sports to JCC, his eyes began to dance and sparkle with excitement.

“Oh my gosh, I am very excited,” he exclaimed. “And it isn’t just the sports programs that I’m excited about,” still holding the baseball he leans forward.

“There are lots of activities and programs here for students. There are the nursing programs, the theatre, music, just all types of things going on. It’s a great time to be at JCC.”

Bloomfield’s earnest expression when speaking about students is genuine. When asked what he would say to new students who are thinking about participating in a sports activity here at JCC, he smiles widely,

“If they are interested the best thing to do would be to contact me or Brian (Coach Brian Olsen) and ask questions.”

Those interested in participating should know that JCC is in the NJCAA, (National Junior College Athletic Association), and not the NCAA. “Competition is fair for all involved”, says Bloomfield sternly.

An athlete at a junior college does not have to fear being in competition with super athletes. This does not mean it is easy; the student athlete would compete against other NJCAA schools and Junior Varsity from many NCAA schools.

Those who do well here (JCC) could transfer to a Division I school with two years credit,” explains Bloomfield. “That would be a good incentive, something for them to work toward.”

Bloomfield made it clear he is supportive of what Coach Brian Olsen is doing with the cross country track team. The one word he uses to describe Coach Olsen is “student focused.” He smiles before continuing, “I know that’s two words, but Brian is great! He knows how to get the best experiences out of his students and people. Brian is going to turn things upside down around here. I can hardly wait to see what happens.”

With competent, energetic, and friendly people like Bloomfield and the countless others who train and work with students on and off the field, this upcoming year in sports is bound to be a historic one.