Iowa State’s new registrar, Kathleen Jones, said she wants to help keep ISU on the cutting edge of technology.

“What I see happening is that technology is evolving so fast that we are going to have to take a leadership role,” said Jones, named Thursday to the post.

Jones was ISU’s associate registrar for systems and records since 1995. She succeeds longtime registrar John Sjoblom who retired in June. Jones will make $67,000 a year.

The registrar is responsible for all phases of registration, maintaining students personal records and transmitting information about student academic records and enrollment.

“In the end it’s very important for students, because we provide them with technology and information. In a sense, we are the center of information. We touch students, not only through our interaction with the students, but also with faculty to help them help the students better,” Jones said.

Technology, she said, is the key.

For example, the Registrar’s Office was instrumental in implementing the touch-tone class registration system used now. And through the new Access Plus system students can find out personal and academic information.

“We want to keep that type of thing going and keep aware of what things can be done better,” Jones said.

One goal Jones has is to be able to use Access Plus, possibly through World Wide Web, to receive information from students. She also wants students to be able to give address updates through Access Plus.

Jones has held various positions in the ISU Registrar’s Office for more than 24 years. She said she has been amazed with all the changes and improvements since joining the staff in 1972.

Herman Richtsmeier, associate registrar, has worked with Jones for several years. “She started in a merit position and over these 24 years she has taken on more and more responsibility. I think she’ll do a wonderful job. She has a very broad background in our office,” he said.

Richtsmeier agreed that technology is important in the office.

“When I came we had no computer terminals in our office. None. It’s hard to keep up with, but this is probably one of her strong areas,” he said.

Jones was assistant registrar from 1976 to 1987 and associate registrar for scheduling from 1987 to 1995.

She is a Ph.D. candidate in professional studies in education. She plans to finish her degree. The registrar is ultimately selected by Vice President for Student Affairs Tom Thielen, but a search was conducted by committee.