Idaho State University names Terrell new vice president for student affairs

Following a national search Idaho State University has selected Patricia Smith Terrell, a nationally respected student life administrator, as the University's new vice president for student affairs.

Terrell's professional background includes more than 11 years as chief student officer at two large public universities including serving as vice president at Utah State University and the University of Kentucky.

Her professional responsibilities have encompassed nearly all facets of student life including enrollment management, academic support services, co-curricular programming, multi-cultural student affairs, international students and scholars, services for students with disabilities, counseling and testing, and student center and student activities.

"Pat Terrell brings a comprehensive and diverse breadth of student affairs experience as well as a strong commitment to serving and enhancing the student life experience," said Idaho State University President Arthur C. Vailas.

"Her familiarity with many of the recruiting and retention challenges as well as the student demographics and cultural challenges we face from having served in a similar role at Utah State University will provide a solid foundation in enhancing our student affairs efforts," Vailas added.

In addition to serving the University of Kentucky and Utah State University, Terrell was associate vice president for student affairs and dean of student life at Southern Methodist University as well as assistant vice president for student affairs at the University of Louisville.

Terrell earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education; a Master of Education degree in college student personnel at the University of Louisville; and her Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration from the University of Kentucky. She completed the prestigious Harvard University Institute for Educational Management.

"I am honored and delighted to be joining the ISU family," Terrell said. "I was deeply impressed with President Vailas' top priority and emphasis on student success and look forward to his leadership as well as serving alongside members of the President’s Cabinet. ISU has a cadre of dedicated and professional student affairs staff and together we will continue to build on their accomplishments as we work to enhance the quality of student life."

"The search committee is pleased that Dr. Terrell has accepted the opportunity," said Kent Tingey, vice president of university advancement and chair of the vice president for student affairs search committee.  "We had a very strong, experienced candidate pool and she impressed us with the depth of her knowledge, experience and professional accomplishments. We look forward to her joining the ISU administration and moving our student affairs experience to an even higher level."

Terrell will begin her duties July 1.

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