Students may not know the name of the new vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, but Lori Reesor has a way to help.
Reesor leaves a bowl of Reese’s peanut butter cups on her desk, which she uses to help students learn her name.
Reesor began her job as the new vice provost for student affairs and dean of students in July with the goal to listen and learn in her first year.
The listening and learning process starts with her office hours.
“I know a lot about students, and I know a lot about student success,” Reesor said. “I just have to learn more about how that works at IU.”
Reesor said she plans to have office hours once a week for students to come in and talk to her about anything they need.
Office hours are posted every month on the dean of students’ website.
“It’s an important message to students that I’m here,” Reesor said.
These office hours aren’t just for complaints, Reesor said.
They’re an opportunity for her to learn more about students. However, she said she’s always looking to improve IU’s campus.
“I believe there’s always something we can do better,” Reesor said.
Another way to increase her interaction with students is through a group called the Cabinet of Student Leaders.
The cabinet meets monthly and is made up of student leaders across campus.
The group previously existed, but Reesor decided to rename it from the Dean’s Advisory Board.
It’s a way for students to get to know the dean and discuss ideas and initiatives with her and each other, Reesor said.
Before coming to IU, Reesor worked as the vice president for student affairs at the University of North Dakota, according to a May press release.
Succeeding Harold “Pete” Goldsmith, Reesor will lead 13 departments and more than 150 programs through the Division of Student Affairs.
Reesor said her priorities for the year include providing stability in the Office of Student Ethics again.
Last year, some students said they felt distrust of the office after Jason Casares, an administrator who oversaw sexual assault investigations at IU, was accused of sexual assault.
Two of Reesor’s other priorities are helping students feel safer on campus and enhancing diversity and inclusion.
Overall, Reesor said her main goal is to help students succeed.
In every meeting she attends, she focuses on what students need and representing them to the best of her ability.
“I’m in this job because I love students and I believe that higher education changes your life,” Reesor said.
Reesor describes herself as a connector. She said she loves connecting people to other people.
“I love hearing about students’ dreams,” Reesor said. “I love hearing about what they want to accomplish at IU and really how can I help.”
Lori Reesor, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, will have her office hours during these times in August and September.
Her office hours will be updated monthly on the dean of students’ website, atstudentaffairs.indiana.edu/dean-students/office-hours.shtml.
11 a.m.—1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24
12 p.m.—2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1
11 a.m.—1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6
12 p.m.—2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15
11 a.m.—1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22
11 a.m.—1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27
