Tori McKinney, former assistant director of the Center for Student Life, resigned from her position effective Dec. 31, 1998.

In the fall of 1996 McKinney came to OU as the adviser for African American Student Support Services. Larry Medina, also an assistant director of the Center for Student Life, said he has seen four different African-American directors at OU.

"This is the first time I've seen a significant impact on retention," he said. Medina, adviser for Latino Student Support Services, said each director of a minority service has different objectives and goals specified for their students. He said the people who held McKinney's position in the past have focused more on extracurricular activities, rather than trying to make a difference in students' academic performance.

Medina said Mckinney went to great lengths to work with students, focusing specifically on their academic standing.

"I thought it was very courageous of her to try to make such a change," Medina added.

McKinney also worked closely with several OU organizations and held positions such as adviser for the Black Student Association. Most recently, she acted as adviser for Women of Power. She was also a forerunner for university programs such as the University Achievement Class and a mentor program for African-American freshmen.

Vivian LeGrand, chairwoman of Women of Power, said McKinney was a mentor and friend.
"She was an open resource for all of the African-American students," LeGrand said.

McKinney's office was a meeting ground and a place to meet new people.

"Visiting her office was my oasis," said LeGrand, finance and marketing junior. LeGrand said McKinney's office was a place she could go for answers, advice and friendship. LeGrand said she can only hope that the university will find someone to replace McKinney who can maintain the stability she brought to the position.

Kendra Davenport, BSA president, said McKinney "was truly an asset to our organization as well as the university as a whole." Davenport said that while McKinney will be missed, the BSA will continue to run smoothly. She said "slight administrative changes don't affect us much because it truly is a student-run organization."
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