W. Houston Dougharty begins work today as the new associate dean of students.

Dougharty was chosen for the position in December after a lengthy application and interview process. His salary is expected to be $39,266.

Dean of Students Kathleen MacKay made the decision to hire Dougharty after recommendations and group meetings with faculty, staff, students and advisers.

“I was very fortunate because all three finalists were very strong, but he just seemed to have a good fit. People thought that he would be a good addition to the staff and a good fit for ISU,” MacKay said.

Dougharty is coming from the University of California-Santa Barbara where he has been working on a Ph.D. in educational leadership and organization.

At UC Dougharty taught courses in interdisciplinary studies and teacher certification, worked as a coordinator of sexual harassment prevention education and was a learning-skills counselor.

As associate dean of students, Dougharty will be involved with the student services for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. He will represent the Dean of Students Office on committees, work with publications, and be involved in other administrative and advocacy matters, as well as general duties in the Dean of Students Office, MacKay said.

In addition, Dougharty will work with the ISU Parent’s Association, MacKay said.

The position was advertised nationally, and three final candidates were chosen to interview by a search committee.

The three final candidates were brought to campus in November and had a day and a half of interviews by faculty, staff and students.

As part of the interviewing process, candidates gave a presentation, hosted an open forum, and conducted sessions with the search committee, academic advisers, faculty representatives and students. They also met with MacKay, other staff in the Dean of Students Office, and the vice president for student affairs.

Ardy Ulrichson, a member of the search committee, recommended Dougharty.

“I think that there was a feeling that he brought a fresh perspective to the position. He certainly was tuned in to the issues on our campus,” she said.

“We felt that he was very approachable and had a strong background in the area of diversity. His ideas were challenging and gave a new perspective that the search committee found exciting.”

Dougharty holds a B.A. in English literature from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash., a master’s degree in student and personnel administration from Western Washington University, Bellingham, and a Master of Arts in educational leadership and organizations from the UC-Santa Barbara.

Dougharty also has experience in areas of learning skills, residence and student family housing, peer advising, admissions, financial aid, diversity, counseling and advising.