Lyons transitions from director of New Student Orientation to acting executive director of AMSS

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Bruce Schultz is pleased to announce that Director of New Student Orientation Theresa Lyons is now serving as the acting executive director of Academic and Multicultural Student Services (AMSS). Theresa joined UAA in June 2006 as the director of New Student Orientation. In January 2008, she accepted additional responsibilities by serving as the director of Educational Talent Search (ETS).

Since her arrival, her leadership has led to a 113 percent increase in Howl Days participation and ETS students are now earning scholarship awards exceeding $1 million annually. Her signature program, UAA Fusion, connects more than 100 students a year with nonprofit organizations through service learning projects in our community. Theresa also serves on the UAA NCBI Steering Committee, Student Affairs A-Team, Sustainability Action Board and regularly contributes to the Culture of Completion subcommittee of the Graduation Rate work team.

As acting executive director of AMSS, Theresa will lead the division and her peer directors through the end of the spring 2013 term. She will serve on the Student Affairs Executive Team representing the areas of Advising and Testing, Disability Support Services, Multicultural Center, Native Student Services, New Student Orientation and the TRiO programs (Educational Opportunity Center, Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services). Student Affairs is solidifying the realignment of functions for a new fourth division, which will support first year student transition. Planning for the future of AMSS will begin in spring after leadership for the new fourth division is in place.

Please join us in congratulating Theresa on her new leadership role in Student Affairs.