BLOOMINGTON – Kathy Adams Riester, associate vice provost for student affairs and executive associate dean of students at Indiana University Bloomington, has been named interim vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, beginning June 1.
Adams Riester succeeds Dave O’Guinn, who became vice provost in 2018 after more than a decade of service in the IU Office of General Counsel. O’Guinn plans to transition to teaching full-time at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Kelley School of Business, effective June 30.
“Since joining the IU Bloomington community in 2019, Kathy has established staff training on diversity, equity, and inclusion; developed policies for the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life; and provided leadership around student success throughout the IUB 2030 planning process,” IU Bloomington Provost and Executive Vice President Rahul Shrivastav said. “I am excited to work together to take initiative around student well-being as she leads the Division of Student Affairs through a moment of transition and distinct opportunity for growth.”
As associate vice provost for student affairs, Adams Riester has overseen student, family, military, and campus life programs, setting a strategic mission and goals for 22 departments with more than 1,300 employees. In addition, she serves on the Bias Incident Network, the Bloomington Faculty Council Student Affairs Committee, and the IUB 2030 Executive Leadership Team.
“I am proud to support the transition to the new Office of Student Life and continue to lead the incredible team of dedicated professionals who tirelessly partner with and support our students,” Adams Riester said. “As we move into implementing IUB 2030, I am confident that a more focused holistic student experience will only continue to strengthen the Hoosier experience.”
Before coming to IU, Adams Riester dedicated 22 years to improving residence life, Greek life, and student activities at the University of Arizona. She earned a Master of Science in education with an emphasis in college student personnel administration from IU Bloomington and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Adams Riester will serve as interim vice provost for student affairs and dean of students until the position of vice provost for student life has been filled, likely by the beginning of the 2023 fall semester.
Departments currently affiliated with the Division of Student Affairs will join IU Corps and student-facing components of Residential Programs and Services to form the Office of Student Life, a new structure for student-focused units across campus. This office — convening around health and well-being, student care and advocacy, and involvement and belonging — will be dedicated to improving the experience of all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at IU Bloomington.
Information: Office of the Provost IU Bloomington Today.
