SMU named Pamela D. Anthony, dean of students at Iowa State University, as vice president for student affairs Nov. 18. Anthony will take her position Feb. 1, 2016.
“I am beyond excited to be selected as the vice president for student affairs at a world-class institution in a world-class city,” Anthony said in a press release. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to enhance and create innovative partnerships within academic and student affairs that prioritize student success.”
In her position as vice president for student affairs, Anthony will oversee areas including the Office of the Dean of Student Life; Residence Life; women’s, LGBT, multicultural, volunteer and leadership programs; student activities; student conduct; campus ministries; health and wellness programs; career services; the Hughes-Trigg Student Center and the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.
According to SMU, she was selected after a nationwide search coordinated by a campus committee chaired by Tom Barry, vice president for executive affairs. She replaces Lori S. White, who joined Washington University in St. Louis as vice chancellor for students.
“Pamela Anthony brings varied experience in all aspects of programming and resources supporting the development of students,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner in a press release. “She has shown leadership in particular on issues related to student well-being, academic enrichment beyond the classroom and multicultural affairs.”
Anthony received her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from James Madison University, her master of education degree from the University of Georgia-Athens and her Ph.D. in educational policy studies from Georgia State University.
Anthony has served as dean of students at Iowa State since August 2012 where she was responsible for supervising several programs and services and serving as chair of several teams and committees.
She has also served as area coordinator of residence life and coordinator of multicultural affairs at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks; director of student activities at Spelman College; and assistant dean, director of student life and leadership, and assistant dean of students at Georgia State University.
“She exhibits a dedication to students that will contribute greatly to improving the campus experience that we cherish as a critical part of the educational enterprise,” Turner said.
Anthony said her prior visit to SMU and interactions with the campus community increased her respect for the university.
“I appreciate the confidence of President Turner and the support of the search committee, and I eagerly anticipate becoming a Mustang,” she said.
