Iowa State’s newest administrator may have to answer some tough campus questions when he assumes his duties.

W. Houston Dougharty will take over the position as associate dean of students, filling the position vacated by Doug Houghton, who is now parking systems coordinator for the Department of Public Safety.

The job should suit him well, university officials said.

As associate dean, Dougharty will oversee the Dean of Students Office’s advocacy area, the ISU Parents’ Association and student services for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

He will also work with several campus committees and organizations, said Dean of Students Kathleen MacKay.

“He brings a wide background to the job,” she said.

Dougharty comes to Iowa State from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He is known throughout his career for giving lectures on student affairs issues such as multiculturalism, sexual harassment and making the transition to a college environment.

Dougharty was selected from three applicants for the job by a campus search committee, which included 11 students and faculty members.

“Everybody told me he was the one to hire,” MacKay said.

“He would provide a fresh, new perspective on things on campus,” said Program Coordinator Ardys Ulrichson, who chaired the search committee that delivered the recommendation to MacKay.

Ulrichson said Dougharty came to campus for an interview for a day and a half, and also gave an open presentation and a presentation to the search committee.

“We felt that gave us a good opportunity to meet with him and understand his approach,” Ulrichson said. “He really took a different approach and challenged us to think when we asked him questions.”

Ulrichson said the committee found Dougharty to be approachable, and he seemed to work well with students.

The search committee worked on filling the position prior to winter break, and now the time is fast approaching when Dougharty will begin work.

“The search committee was very impressed with the experience he had and his style of talking to and with people. He had a very high energy level and seemed very in tune to some of the issues on campus,” Ulrichson said.

Dougharty will begin work as associate dean of students March 1.