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Tuesday, March 19
The Indiana Daily Student

New Dean of Students named

Lori Reesor will be the new dean of students pending approval from the Board of Trustees. Reesor will succeed Harold "Pete" Goldsmith when he retires on June 30.

At the end of June, Lori Reesor will succeed Harold “Pete” 
Goldsmith as the dean of students.

For more than seven years, Goldsmith has provided a higher education experience for students at IU as vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, but June 30, Goldsmith will retire.

Reesor will assist IU-Bloomington’s domestic and international undergraduate and graduate students. The dean of students also works close with other deans and faculty to coordinate collaborations, procedure and plans to 
support all students.

Thirteen departments and more than 150 programs and services of the Division of Student Affairs are led by the vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, according to the press release.

Reesor completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, her masters at Iowa State University and her Ph.D at the University of 
Kansas.

Previously, Reesor performed duties as an associate vice provost for student success at the University of Kansas; associate dean in the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s School of Education, where she also helped as assistant dean and adjunct instructor; and dean of students at Wichita State 
University.

Recently, Goldsmith has worked to increase the Culture of Care initiative, a staff-led, student-created program that accentuates communication and positive social interactions between students. Reesor intends to continue the “good work” done by her predecessor.

“At the same time, I know some important initiatives are underway,” Reesor said in the press release. “I hope to continue the good work that has been done, especially in the areas of student engagement, diversity and inclusion, and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.”

As a first generation college student, Reesor said she knows the importance of education and the effect it can have on a young adult’s future.

“I learned so much about myself and the world through the college experience,” Reesor said in the release. “I love the energy, insight and passion students bring to campus. My mission is to help them reach their goals and be successful at IU.”

Listening and working with students is one of the ways Reesor plans to help recognize demands, opportunities and questions that will determine long-term plans. Reesor has attained record enrollments, expanded diversity numbers and retention rates and started the first associate vice president for diversity and inclusion while at the University of North Dakota, according to the press 
release.

“We need to make sure all students feel welcomed and safe, while providing opportunities for leadership development and understanding what it means to be global citizens,” Reesor said in the press release. “Student Affairs plays an important role in creating this experience for our students, and I look forward to leading this effort.”

While in North Dakota she collaborated with the Department of Academic Affairs and the Department of Finance and Operations to start a one-stop student service unit. Reesor also worked to combat high-risk alcohol use through city ordinances, which decreased reported incidents of heavy alcohol consumption among underage students, according to the press 
release.

With the upcoming change many are welcoming.

“We’re thrilled to welcome her to the IU community and look forward to her continuing our campus-wide efforts to promote inclusion and expand services to ensure the success of every IU student,” Provost Lauren Robel said in the release.

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