University of Iowa names new dean of students

IOWA CITY - The University of Iowa has named a new assistant vice president and dean of students after David Grady left campus earlier this year for a similar role with the University of Alabama.

Lyn Redington - who comes from the University of Northern Iowa, where she served as director of residence life since 2008 - will start in her new UI role Aug. 19. During her 21 years at UNI, Redington also served as interim dean of students and associate director of residence and housing.

Before that, she worked at the University of Arizona, Indiana University, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, first earning a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate of philosophy from Iowa State University.

She takes over for Grady, who joined the UI campus in 1992 as director of the Office of Campus Programs and Student Activities and moved up the ranks to his 2009 appointment as associate vice president and dean of students. Grady in March was named vice president for student affairs at the University of Alabama, effective June 15.

In her new role, Redington is charged with providing vision, leadership and overall direction for the Office of the Dean of Students in the Division of Student Life, according to UI News Services. That office is responsible for providing general aid, advocacy, and support for students by - among other things - encouraging responsible behavior, creating a safe environment, promoting academic success, and protecting student rights.

In a statement, Redington said she's looking forward to building relationships on campus and in the community and promoting the development of both students and staff.

'As I begin my first year, it's exciting for me to support new students as they begin their academic career, welcome returning students as they excel in their program of study, and celebrate graduating students as they become successful alumni,” she said in a statement.

Redington also will be responsible for leading the Iowa Memorial Union and its student activities, auxiliary enterprises, and conference facilities and services.

Tom Rocklin, vice president for UI student life, called Redington a 'well-respected educator with a passion for helping students create meaningful learning experiences.”

The university, which is undergoing a transition as it searches for a new president, has left open several vice president positions pending the installment of a new leader. Those positions include senior vice president and treasurer, vacated last fall by Doug True; assistant vice president and director of UI public safety, vacated by Chuck Green in January; vice president for human resources, vacated by Susan Buckley in June; and vice president of strategic communication, vacated by Joseph Brennan this month.

UI spokeswoman Jeneane Beck said many of those positions are being kept open because new university presidents often want to choose their vice presidents. She said Redington's role is assistant vice president - one step down from a vice president position.