Carmen Tillery named dean of students

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Carmen Tillery, director of the student support services program at Randolph Community College, has been named dean of students at Indiana State University.

Tillery will replace Jan Arnett, who is retiring after 37 years in student affairs and serving as dean of students for the past two years.

"I consider it an excellent opportunity to be able to work with the ISU faculty, staff, and most importantly, the students. Indiana State has a plethora of wonderful programs and services. I feel confident that my assets will compliment and build upon the strengths of ISU," said Tillery, who is expected to begin work at ISU in early June.

Tillery’s career in Student and Academic Affairs administration has afforded her the opportunity to develop and implement her commitment to the student experience at noted institutions such as Iowa State University, University of Illinois-Chicago, Purdue, Duke, Syracuse, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical (A&T) State University, where she served as executive director of housing and residential life.

“These diverse professional experiences have prepared her well for senior leadership in student affairs. Rarely does someone bring as broad range of experience as Carmen has. Known for her outgoing personality and sincere concern for students, she will connect quickly with those in the ISU community - students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff,” said Thomas Ramey, vice president for student affairs.

“I want her to have the pulse of the student body,” Ramey added.

That shouldn’t be too difficult for Tillery, who loves being around students. She hopes the student leaders she interviewed with take her up on the challenge she presented to them.

“I told them that if I was selected as the new dean of students, I expected them to stop in to see me during my first couple of days on campus,” she said. “Their role is to serve as additional sets of eyes and ears to me, thus multiplying my connection to students.”

The dean of students is responsible for operations in the Student Counseling Center, Career Center, Student Activities and Organizations and the African-American Cultural Center. The dean is also involved with new student orientation, freshman year programs, student judicial appeals and a variety of other functions.

Tillery, a Chicago native, said she chose ISU because she was impressed with not just the students, but also the staff.

“It felt like all the staff were like family. I’ve never connected with such a large group of people like I did at ISU,” she said.

Tillery will transition into the position during her predecessor’s final weeks on the job.

“I’m looking forward to learning the ropes from Jan [Arnett]. She was wonderful during my visit. I immediately connected with her,” Tillery said, “Jan and Mary Howard Hamilton were inspiring and instrumental in my decision to come to ISU.”

Tillery earned her doctorate degree in higher education student personnel from Iowa State University in 1994; received her master’s degree in higher education student personnel from Iowa State in 1986; and her bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis on finance from Northern Illinois University in 1984.

She has three children - Kharmika, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Marcus II, a high-school junior; and Kaya, a fifth grade student. She credits her success to mentor and lifetime friend, Marcus
Tillery.

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Contact and writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, (812) 237-3783 or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu