After a national search with more than 65 applicants, OSU Institute of Technology’s new dean of students is a familiar face on campus.

Devin DeBock, current director of residential life and emergency management, accepted the offer to become the university’s first dean of students. His new assignment begins December 8, 2014, pending Board of Regents approval.

“It has been one of my personal and professional goals to one day be able to serve the campus community as dean of students,” DeBock said. “To be offered this leadership position is such a wonderful opportunity that to say I was enthusiastic would be quite the understatement. My family and I are still celebrating.”

The dean of students is responsible for the overall quality of student retention services and student life at OSUIT, he said, and will oversee the offices of student life, residential life, counseling services, the Child Care Center and Student Union services.

DeBock, along with a pool of selected candidates, interviewed with three separate committees: senior administration, representatives of administrative council and those individuals who would report to the dean of the students.

“We had excellent candidates, but Devin was clearly the best person for the position,” said Dr. Ina Agnew, vice president of student services. “Devin has been a consistent, outstanding performer and long-time employee of OSUIT.”

This past summer, DeBock was recognized as the 2014 Outstanding Staff Member- Exempt during the annual Employee Banquet.

DeBock has been on the Okmulgee campus since 1999 when he started as the student life activities, wellness and intramural sports coordinator before becoming director of residential life.

“My past positions have prepared me by strengthening my skills in planning, coordination and critical decision-making abilities while encouraging my passion for student development,” he said.

DeBock is wasting no time bringing his ideas to the job of dean of students.

“I have put together a plan for my first 90 days as dean and will strive to achieve the goals and objectives outlined in the university’s strategic plan, but if I had to put it into two words it would be ‘student success,’” he said.