A final decision has been made, and Iowa State has selected a new vice president for student affairs.

Thomas L. Hill, dean for student services at the University of Florida in Gainesville, will begin his position as vice president for student affairs effective Aug. 1.

“Thomas Hill has an excellent record of experience as and administrator, counselor and educator,” said ISU President Martin Jischke, who is visiting China this week on behalf of ISU, in a press release. “He is dedicated to student success and will bring that dedication to the service of Iowa State’s diverse student population.”

Hill will follow former vice president for student affairs Thomas Thielen, who retired Dec. 31, 1996. Thielen retired after holding the position for 22 years.

Dan Robinson, professor of professional studies, is serving as interim vice president for student affairs. Robinson did not run for the permanent position.

“I am really comfortable with the choice,” Robinson said.

Robinson said Hill’s “broad-based” experiences will be extremely helpful to the vice president for student affairs position.

Hill is the first African American vice president for student affairs at ISU, excluding interim Robinson.

“I am glad an African American was appointed,” said Milton McGriff, a Government of the Student Body senator and spokesman for The September 29th Movement. “I hope that he will be able to really listen to the students and their pain and relay it to Jischke. That’s whether he would be black, white or brown.”

Rob Wiese, GSB president, said he thinks having an African American in this position will be good for diversity.

“It’s not so much him being African American, he’s just the best man for the job,” Wiese said. “I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Wiese met with Hill at a luncheon during the selection process and has since spoken with Hill on the telephone since. Wiese said Hill is a “no-nonsense type of guy” due to Hill’s military background.

“He’s the type of person who will get things done. I think that’s a good choice for the students,” he said.

Hill was named the dean for student services at the University of Florida in 1993. He served as assistant athletic director for student life at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, from 1989 to 1993; assistant athletic director for student life at Tulane University, New Orleans, from 1985 to 1989; coordinator of University College at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, from 1982 to 1985; and assistant academic adviser, athletic department, at the University of Florida from 1979 to 1981.

He has previously written on topics involving student affairs, including student-athlete development and white racial identity attitudes.

Hill received a Ph.D. in counselor education from the University of Florida in 1985; a M.S. in counselor education from C.W. Post-Long Island University, New York, in 1976; and a B.S.E. in physical education from Arkansas State University in 1972.

Hill could not be reached at his office at the University of Florida since he is on vacation until Friday.

“I am extremely pleased that he has agreed to join Iowa State University as vice president for student affairs,” Jischke said.