USU Names New VP for Student Services

Utah State University has selected the associate vice chancellor for enrollment at the University of Minnesota, Morris, as the new vice president for Student Services.


James D. Morales was named to head up the university’s student services division, including admissions and enrollment, following approval by the USU Board of Trustees April 10. Morales replaces outgoing Vice President for Student Services Gary Chambers, who retires in June.

“Dr. Morales is a good fit for this key position that significantly impacts our students,” said USU President Stan L. Albrecht. “I feel confident the students will flourish under his leadership, just as they have under Vice President Chambers’ steady guidance. I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Morales to Utah State University,”

In his new role, Morales said he will promote academic success, health and wellness, service to others, civic engagement, appreciation of diversity, personal responsibility and leadership.

“I have worked in higher education for the past 16 years and through it all I have had the opportunity to work with young people and help them achieve their dreams,” Morales said. “I am excited to join USU and will focus my efforts on engaging students from all communities, especially the underprivileged, to help them expand their opportunities.”

Prior to his University of Minnesota, Morris, position, Morales served as director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Connecticut from 2001 to 2004. He also spent many years with the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where he simultaneously worked as the assistant director of Student Support Services, the associate director in the Office of Admissions and assistant to the vice chancellor in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life from 1999 to 2001.

“We know we made a good choice in recommending Dr. Morales for this important position,” said Ross Peterson, vice president of Advancement and chair of the search committee. “We were fortunate to have a strong list of candidates from which to choose.”

Morales said he applied at USU because of its national reputation as a strong research institution, coupled with its core mission of being a land-grant institution that really speaks to accessibility.

“My experience as a Latino and coming from a disadvantaged background, I see myself as a role model,” Morales said. “I look forward to connecting with the students and helping them succeed.”

Morales earned a doctorate in higher education policy and administration from the University of Minnesota in 2000 and a bachelor’s in speech communication from the University of Utah in 1991.

His years at University of Minnesota, Duluth, also include time spent as senior coordinator in the Equity Education and Services office (1996-2001); as assistant director in the Office of Admissions (1998-1999); and as admissions counselor/diversity admissions counselor in the Office of Admissions (1993-1995). 

USU Student Services encompasses the Academic Resource Center; Admissions/Recruiting office; Campus Recreation; Career Services; Children’s House; Counseling Center; Disability Resource Center; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Services; Multicultural Student Services; Office of Student Conduct; Outreach Coordination; Outdoor Recreation Center; Reentry Student Center; Registrar’s office; Retention and First Year Experience; Student Health Services; Student Involvement and Leadership Center; Student Publications (The Utah Statesman); Student Support Services; Student Wellness Center; Taggart Student Center; Testing Services; University Advising; Utah Conservation Corps; Women’s Resource Center; and Financial Aid.

 Morales brings his wife, Tari, and their four children ranging in age from 21 to 12. His official start date is yet to be determined and will be sometime during the summer.

For more information on USU’s Student Services, visit its Web site.

Contact: Ross Peterson, 435-797- 1158, ross.peterson@usu.edu
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797-1355, maren.cartwright@usu.edu