Following a national search, University of Southern Indiana President Ronald Rochon has appointed Dr. Khalilah Doss as the University’s vice president for student affairs effective Tuesday, August 13. Doss succeeds Dr. Marcia Kiessling, who will retire on Friday, August 2 after joining USI in 2011.

“Dr. Doss brings a wealth of higher education experience and a student-centered approach,” said Rochon. “Her recognition of and enthusiasm for the University of Southern Indiana’s academic excellence, along with a focus on preparing students outside the classroom, set her apart. We look forward to both her contributions to the USI campus community and in shaping our students’ lives.”

As vice president for student affairs, Doss will provide intellectual and administrative leadership, guiding the University’s student affairs division and its services and programs, as well as University-wide initiatives. She will oversee the USI Counseling Center; Dean of Students Office; Housing and Residence Life; Multicultural Center; Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center; Religious Life; Student Development Programs; Student Publications; and the University Health Center.

“I am ecstatic to be joining the University of Southern Indiana community,” said Doss. “As I progressed through the search, it became evident that this campus was a special place and one where I could make a positive impact on the lives of the students USI serves. USI has amazing students, faculty and staff, and I am committed to working collaboratively with them and the surrounding communities.”

Doss currently serves as the vice president of student life and dean of students, deputy Title IX coordinator and chief diversity officer for McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. Prior to her time at McPherson College, Doss held positions in student affairs and housing at Lincoln University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and McKendree University.

She has been involved in professional organizations, academic publication and committee work throughout her career. While at McPherson, she served as chair of the Crisis Management Team, Student Affairs Strategic Planning Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Emergency Response Committee and Retention Task Force. As a presenter, she has spoken at multiple National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) conferences on issues of diversity and women of color in the workplace.

Her research on the experience of domestic and international African American student-athletes has been published in Diversity in Higher Education and Education Review. She is a member of NASPA, the Association of Student Conduct Administrators and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) – College Student Educators International.

Doss earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance and marketing from McKendree College, a master’s degree in public administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a doctoral degree in educational administration and higher education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.