Kyra Finner

Staff Writer

New Dean of Students at ISU opens up about new opportunities

Craig Chatriand has been hired as the new Dean of Students at Idaho State University after a national search. He will assume the role on February 28th, 2020.

Chatriand said he can’t wait to get to Pocatello and start working with the students, faculty and staff at ISU.

“During my visit to campus, I enjoyed speaking with each student I had the opportunity to meet. I’m excited to work with students who care so much about Idaho State and who are so engaged in their education,” Chatriand said.

Chatriand has worked in many areas of higher education which he says have prepared him for this position. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from the University of Montana Western, a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University, according to ISU News.

His most recent positions have consisted of working with students struggling with academic, mental health and behavioral issues.

“I have a lot of experience working directly with students to help them achieve their educational and personal goals as well as working to create environments where students can be successful,” Chatriand said.

Managing the department budget is an important part of the job of the Dean of Students, which Chatriand wants to make sure is handled in a sincere way at ISU.

He wants to do everything he can to make sure the department budget maximizes the opportunities students have to engage in educationally meaningful experiences.

“My first priority will be to build relationships with the students, staff and faculty at Idaho State,” Chatriand said. “Initially, I plan to spend a great portion of my time outside of my office learning everything I can about the university and getting to know as many students as I can.”

The pressure of working as a Dean of Students can be pretty intense depending on the school and how the students are. Chatriand said he isn’t worried about how he will handle difficult situations at ISU.

“My method for working with students is to listen to their concerns and their needs. I do my best to understand their challenges and their hopes. From there, I try to partner with the student to find solutions to their specific situation or challenge. I want to help them navigate the complexities of the university environment,” Chatriand said. “I’m upfront about the ways in which I can be helpful and about the responsibility they have in their situation. These strategies have been productive with a wide range of student challenges, including students that some might consider difficult.”

Chatriand will come to Pocatello from Spokane in a couple of weeks to fulfill his new role at ISU.

“I want students to know that the Dean of Students’ Office is a place they can come with any concern. Our office and staff are here to be helpful and to support them in any way we can,” Chatriand said.