CLAIRE ZUGMEYER Penelope Hein-Unruh is
the new director of counseling of Letters & Science.
By Payam Mahram
Daily Bruin Contributor
Two months after her appointment as director of the College of
Letters & Sciences Counseling, Penelope Hein-Unruh says she
can’t see herself doing anything else.
Her appointment followed the recommendation of several faculty
and staff committees, after she served as interim-director for more
than a year.
“Her great understanding and experience with student
initiatives are among the qualities that make her right for the
position,” said Betty Glick, associate vice provost of the
college.
As director of counseling, Hein-Unruh oversees services such as
freshman and transfer student workshops and expanded online virtual
counseling.
“Students often comment that they would like more
counselor availability,” Hein-Unruh said. “I do my best
to help facilitate these needs.”
Hein-Unruh’s promotion came after the forced resignation
of former director Jane Crawford.
Crawford was indicted in June 1999 for stealing a painting
donated to the university and selling it to an art gallery in New
York for $300,000.
The former director was charged with two counts of fraud and
sentenced to five months in prison, followed by house arrest. A $14
million lawsuit filed by the gallery against Crawford and the
university is pending.
Though Hein-Unruh would not comment specifically on the case,
she said the circumstances prior to her appointment were
unfortunate.
A native of Kansas, Hein-Unruh received her undergraduate degree
from Wichita State University.
She then moved to California, where she received an M.D. in
child development from UC Davis. There she served as advisor for
the Department of Behavioral Sciences and as director of an infant
and toddler program.
Hein-Unruh began working at UCLA 19 years ago as an academic
advisor in the psychology department, where she later founded and
directed another infant program.
For the past 15 years, she has worked as academic counselor and
interdepartmental liaison coordinator for the college.
“Her role as department liaison was key to helping the
psychology department be in compliance with university
policies,” said Rosemary Chavoya, executive officer of the
department.
“She is the perfect blend of someone who knows the facts
and someone who is guided with the passion to solve students’
problems,” she continued.
While finding time to complete all daily tasks is a challenge,
Hein-Unruh said the most rewarding aspect of her job involves
interacting with students and colleagues.
“One important thing I have learned through interaction is
that each person has a legitimate and valid point of view that
should be understood,” Hein-Unruh said. “My job is to
balance the needs and requirements of the college with those of the
student.”
In her spare time, Hein-Unruh enjoys reading and spending time
with her family. She is an active member of a book club that
concentrates on literature by women.