During Wednesday’s Iowa Board of Regents meeting, Iowa State President Steven Leath announced the retirement of three members of Iowa State’s administrative staff.

Paul Tanaka, University Counsel, Tom Hill, senior vice president of Student Affairs, and Pamela White, dean of the College of Human Sciences, are all retiring from their positions at Iowa State by the end of the 2015-2016 school year.

Pamela White had announced her retirement before Wednesday’s meeting, and is leaving after 40 years at Iowa State. Since 2009, White has been the dean of the College of Human Sciences and during her tenure has seen enrollment in the College of Human Sciences jump by 52 percent.

In contrast to White, Tanaka’s and Hill’s retirements were first announced at the meeting. Tanaka has been with Iowa State for almost 20 years.

“During that time he’s provided exceptional legal counsel,” Leath said. “He’s lead us through some very challenging situations with integrity and wisdom.”

Tanaka, who plans to retire in the spring, has made a lasting footprint at Iowa State and other universities, due in part to how he’s helped shape the university’s legal practices.

“Because of Paul’s expertise, many institutions around the country have looked at Iowa State to copy our best practices,” Leath said.

The earliest of the departures will come from Hill, who plans to leave the university in December.

“Tom has been a true champion for the Iowa State brand,” Leath said. “He’s probably the most recognizable face, maybe other than mine, on campus because he’s with students everywhere. He’s their mentor, advisor, advocator, friend, cheerleader; he’s really what embodies the Iowa State brand.”

Leath was not the only one to herald Hill’s commitment to the students of Iowa State.

“Dr. Hill is our first point of contact for the administration,” said Dan Breitbarth, president of the Student Government, adding that Hill always did a fantastic job when he presented at Destination Iowa State.

Hill was an integral part of many key initiatives that affected students. Between setting up the Student Loan Education Office in 2014, dealing with the issues surrounding the Theilen Student Health Center this year, and setting up a funding program for student groups, Hill has had a hand in it all, Breitbarth said.

“This is a bittersweet announcement for me. They have been tremendous leaders and colleagues,” Leath said in regards to all three retirees.

Breitbarth, who is already looking ahead, said that he would appreciate hearing from students in regards to what qualities they’d like to see in the next senior vice president of Student Affairs.