Yizar named associate dean of students

James H. “Byrd” Yizar  has been named associate dean of students. Yizar served as interim associate dean of students for the last two and one-half years.

“I am very excited about this promotion,” Yizar said. “I look forward to serving the University in my new role, not only trying to improve some areas, but to also mentor others.”

Yizar has worked at ISU since 1984. He began as a counselor/learning specialist for Student Support Services, one of three federal programs along with Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound that are under the umbrella of TRiO program .

Yizar was then appointed assistant TRiO director and then assumed the role of TRiO director. Following these positions, he became assistant dean of students, the last position held before becoming interim associate dean.

As associate dean of student affairs Yizar will represent the division in the absence of the dean of student affairs; serve on a variety of special student affairs committees; make public appearances; and provide leadership and oversight to a variety of programs including the ADA and Disability Center, the Janet C. Anderson Gender Resource Center, International Programs Office, TRiO and Campus Recreation.

He will be the director of the ISU Diversity Resource Center and will be the liaison between student affairs and the Faculty/Staff Diversity Center and the athletic department.

“I really have a passion for helping special populations and at-risk students at ISU succeed,” Yizar said. “I’ll continue to serve those students from my present position, along with my other duties.”