AMES, Iowa – Toyia Younger, from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), has been named the next senior vice president for student affairs at Iowa State University, pending approval by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.
Younger, vice president for leadership development and partnerships for AASCU, will begin her tenure Aug. 17.
“Dr. Younger is an experienced leader with the collaborative spirit and vision to further strengthen Iowa State’s reputation for providing an exceptional student experience,” said President Wendy Wintersteen. “She is an excellent fit to help advance the university’s priority of being a national leader in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that meets the needs of our diverse student body.”
Younger joined the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in 2016 after serving as associate vice chancellor for student affairs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, including an 11-month appointment as interim chief diversity officer. She also held positions as assistant provost for academic affairs at Towson University in Maryland and director of student affairs for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
“I am thrilled to be returning to my Midwest roots and joining the Iowa State family,” Younger said. “It is my desire to become an integral part of the university’s unwavering commitment to preparing students for the future and serving the needs of the Ames community. I look forward to working with so many amazing faculty and staff to advance ISU’s mission.”
Younger holds a bachelor’s degree in social relations from Michigan State University; a master’s degree in counseling from Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and a Ph.D. in education policy from the University of Maryland.
In making the announcement, President Wintersteen thanked interim senior vice president Erin Baldwin for her leadership of the division, following the departure of Martino Harmon in June to the University of Michigan, and members of the search committee and campus community for their thoughtful consideration of candidates.