Sacred Heart Hires 2 New Directors

FAIRFIELD, CT — In the past week, Sacred Heart University has hired a new director of student engagement and director of performing arts recruitment and special events.

On Tuesday, SHU announced the hire of Justin Zenchuk, a Shelton resident, as its new director of performing arts recruitment and special events. In his new role, Zenchuk will recruit dance, theater, and music students, and work with colleagues to assure the performing arts department meets its development and directional goals, according to a university news release.

Zenchuk has been a singer, dancer and actor since high school, when he led the Shelton High School drama club. Prior to SHU, Zenchuk served as the operations production and online media manager for New Haven’s Shubert Theatre. He also worked as assistant to the artistic director of Shelton’s Center Stage Theatre. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with degrees in history and theater.

“I am so excited for students to experience this incredible campus and our wonderful performing arts programs,” Zenchuk said in a university statement. “I can’t wait to meet with prospective students and show them why SHU is the perfect fit for them. I am beyond honored to be here and can’t wait to continue to build our performing arts programs.”

Last Thursday, SHU announced the hire of Alexander Barkley as its new director of student engagement and involvement in the student life department. Barkley will work to improve students’ quality of life in and out of the classroom through coordination and promotion of student events, leadership development efforts, and communication with student clubs and organizations.

Barkley previously served as director of the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, where he also served as adjunct faculty. Barkley also serves as regional coordinator for the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education, win which he coordinates educational and professional development activities for student life professionals across the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hofstra University and master’s degree in higher education administration from Stony Brook University.

“I’m really looking forward to working with my team to elevate our involvement opportunities, so students remember their engagement outside the classroom just as much as their studies,” Barkley said.