Indiana State University Newsroom

Willie L. Banks Jr., vice president for student affairs at Indiana State University, has been named vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of California, Irvine.

Banks has led his division at Indiana State since 2015. During that time, he instituted a number of initiatives aimed at improving and transforming Sycamores' lives. Those programs include Sycamores Care, Sycamore Pantry, the creation of the Multicultural Services and Programs Office, the LGBTQ Resource Center, La Casita and the International Student Resource Center.

"First and foremost, Willie Banks has demonstrated the very best in thoughtful, student-centered leadership. He has done an incredible job of expanding services and programming and constantly looks for ways to better serve our students," said Deborah J. Curtis, president of Indiana State University. "He also has partnered with other areas of the university to advance our goals related to inclusive excellence and student success. We will miss his leadership and appreciate all that he has done."

In his new role, Banks will oversee the Office of Student Affairs and its mission of enriching the student experience for UCI's nearly 30,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. His last day at Indiana State will be June 3.

"I have loved my experience at Indiana State University. My success here is a direct result of the hardworking staff members of the Division of Student Affairs," Banks said. "I have been blessed and so fortunate to work with a campus community that is truly dedicated to changing the lives of students. While it is bittersweet to leave Indiana State, I am thrilled with this phenomenal new opportunity at the University of California, Irvine. Indiana State will always have a special place in my heart."

Andy Morgan, current dean of students, will serve as interim vice president of student affairs through June 30, 2020, while a national search is conducted.

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Media contact: Libby Roerig, University Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or libby.roerig@indstate.edu