LEWISTON – Bates College is getting a new dean of students.

Tedd R. Goundie, 47, an associate dean at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, will begin Aug. 1.

Bates President Elaine Tuttle Hansen called Goundie a “good fit,” someone who can enhance life outside the classroom for the school’s 1,700 students.

Goundie started his career as a biology instructor at Swarthmore, a private liberal arts college similar to Bates, more than 20 years ago. His growing interest in student life led him to administration 16 years ago.

Goundie has been an associate dean since 1996. He has been responsible for student life and health, college safety and new student orientation. He also served as a student adviser and supervisor for resident assistants.

Goundie said he applied for the Bates position because he wanted to become a full dean and he wanted the challenge of a new school.

“I thought I had another adventure in me,” he said.

Goundie was one of about 100 applicants. He was one of four finalists invited to tour the campus and speak with staff and students in May.

That visit sold him on the college, he said. He left impressed with the students, the faculty and the community.

“Students absolutely waxed poetic about Bates,” he said.

Hansen said she was impressed by Goundie’s attitude toward college life and education. In his application cover letter, Goundie wrote that he is often asked why he left teaching.

“His answer is, he didn’t give it up. He considers himself still a teacher. He just doesn’t teach in a formal setting,” Hansen said.

As dean of students at Bates, Goundie will oversee residential life, student housing, health services and security. He will help integrate residential and academic life for students.

“So, it’s not inside and outside (the classroom). But it’s permeated throughout the college experience,” Hansen said.

Goundie holds a bachelor of science degree from Muhlenberg College and a master’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University. He will move to Lewiston with his wife and two children this weekend.

Goundie replaces F. Celeste Branham, who resigned earlier this year. Branham had been with the college for 24 years.