UIS recently hired Dr. Charles Osiris as the new associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs/dean of students. Osiris, whose title will be “interim” until approved by the Board of Trustees in March of this year, started his job on Monday, Feb. 8.

Osiris has been involved with higher education and student affairs for more than 20 years at both public and private institutions in Illinois, Georgia, Texas, and, most recently, California. He also has previous experience as both dean of students and an associate vice chancellor, and also has served as a professor.

According to Osiris, his primary role is to help students thrive and prosper during their time at UIS, as well as helping them prepare for their career after graduation.

“My whole career has been centered on helping students succeed,” Osiris said. “I benefited greatly from having student affairs professionals help me during my undergrad and post-graduate education.”

As associate vice chancellor, Osiris will also support Vice Chancellor Dr. Clarice Ford and act in her place when she is not here.

Osiris’ responsibilities as dean of students include working directly with students and supporting the Student Affairs Department by removing roadblocks in the path of helping students. Essentially, his chief role is to act as an advocate for each and every student at UIS.

“If I see things that need to change or improve, that’s my job to work for those things,” said Osiris.

One of those changes, according to Osiris, is more career exploration opportunities for freshmen and sophomores, and career preparation (including how to put together a resume, apply for jobs, interview, and more internship opportunities) for juniors and seniors.

When asked his short-term goals, Osiris said that he is looking forward to getting to know students and the UIS campus and to bringing in his past experience to help Student Affairs grow with a “student-centered” approach.

Ideally, he would like to have at least three-quarters of on-campus UIS students know who he is and how he can serve them.

“In everything we do, we should first think about how it impacts students,” said Osiris. “That should be our first priority.”

Long-term, he wants to make sure that UIS staff have the resources they need to effectively play a role in student development and leadership. Ultimately, he wants his time at UIS to leave a lasting legacy that can be carried on by his eventual successors.

“I’m here to serve the students,” he said. “If anyone wants to come by, meet me, or just talk to me, I’m open for that. That’s why I’m here.”

Osiris was born and raised in Chicago. He attended Western Illinois University for his undergraduate and master’s degrees, and the University of California Santa Barbara for his Ph.D. in educational leadership and organizational development.

His office is located in Student Affairs Building room 30, and it is always open for any students who need it.