After serving as the new associate dean of students for a month and a half, Peter Englin’s main wish is that students having academic or personal problems would know they can always turn to him.

“I would hope that each and every student knows that the people at Iowa State care about their success, and the Dean of Students Office is a place they know they can go where someone will listen and care,” he said.

Englin received his bachelor’s degree in zoology and a master’s degree in counseling and guidance at North Dakota State. He was the assistant director of housing there until he came to Iowa State in 1989.

Once at ISU, Englin became the coordinator of residence life and worked with student government leaders from the Inter-Residence Hall Association, Union Drive Association, Towers Residence Association and Richardson Court Residence Association.

As the associate dean of students, Englin has another opportunity to deal with students firsthand.

“I work with Students Assistant Services, where I work directly one on one with students experiencing challenges achieving academic or personal goals,” he said. “I supervise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services Office, Student Legal Services, the ISU Parents Association.”

Englin said his contact with students is one of the reasons he brings a lot of energy to his position.

“I love to see them succeed based on their own definition of success and believe Iowa State has some of the best students anywhere, nationally, so it makes my job challenging, but very exciting,” he said.

Englin, who was one of 54 applicants for his position, said the offer “was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

Attitude and ambition helped put him ahead of the rest in the following national job search, Englin said.

“I believe that I have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, but more than anything, I bring a positive attitude,” he said. “If we work together, we can make great things happen.”

Thomas Hill, vice president for Student Affairs, said Englin’s familiarity with ISU will be useful in his new position.

“He’s got extensive experience in dealing with students, student affairs, and he knows a great deal about the Iowa State student body and the community here,” he said.

Vernon Wall, assistant dean of students and director of student activities, said Englin really connects to students.

“A lot of times, students may have an issue or concern and not know where to start, and Pete is that starting place,” he said. “He’s definitely one where students will feel comfortable talking with him.”