As part of a growing focus on advancing retention and graduation rates of undergraduates, Richard Distanislao has been named executive director for Student Success and Retention at IUP.
Distanislao returned to IUP in January after a four-year hiatus, working on assignment with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's SYTEC SAP initiative. He previously served as IUP's registrar and assistant dean of the Armstrong Campus (now Northpointe).
“With Rich's previous experience, at IUP and with the State System, he has a keen understanding of the academic structures, policies, and automated tools that are critical to helping students achieve their academic goals,” Rhonda Luckey, vice president for Student Affairs, said.
“With his joint appointment to the offices of the Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs, he will be working closely with academic and students affairs colleagues to identify and implement enhanced coordination among IUP's varied academic and student support services.”
In his new post, Distanislao reports to both the provost and vice president for Student Affairs.