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Hello colleagues –
The Office of Student Life is thrilled to announce that Dr. Vicka Bell-Robinson has accepted the position of Associate Vice Provost for Involvement and Belonging at IU Bloomington. She will join the IU community on January 3, 2024. Vicka’s belief in the transformative power of the college experience and student development will be an incredible asset for our students, the campus community, and the overall Hoosier experience.
“Student involvement and belonging are core tenents of our campus strategic plan. I am thrilled that Dr. Bell-Robinson will join our community and provide leadership to this critical work. Her professional experiences, coupled with her deep passion for student success, are a welcome addition to the strong Student Life team that is currently assembled. I am eager to see her leadership in action."
- Dr. Lamar Hylton
Dr. Vicka Bell-Robinson is a student-centered higher education professional who believes in the transformative power of a holistic college experience. She values developing meaningful partnerships which result in innovative approaches to student development and organizational management that supports students’ needs. Vicka is an avid reader and constantly absorbing and sharing information about a variety of topics. Her academic research interests include current trends in higher education, student success, loneliness, and workforce sustainability.
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Indiana University Office of Student Life as the Associate Vice Provost of Involvement and Belonging and bolster our campuses' focus on students and how we can support their connection and community. I am excited about providing leadership, support, and guidance for new colleagues that bring together the areas of student life that have deeply engrained roots in IU history and building upon opportunities to strengthen student engagement, co-curricular engagement, student organizations and leadership opportunities, and volunteerism, the potential to maximize the Hoosier experience is abundant. I look forward to meeting with students, campus partners, and community partners as I join the Hoosier family!"
- Dr. Vicka Bell-Robinson
Prior to joining the Indiana University community, Vicka held positions in residence life at North Central College, Ball State University, and Miami University. For the past 16 years, Vicka has worked at Miami University in the Office of Residence Life as the Coordinator for Living Learning Communities, an Associate Director, and most recently as the Director of Residence Life. As director, she provided consistent oversight and leadership to the department, effectively managed crises and emergencies, and fostered an organizational environment focused on unity, teamwork, and student success.
In addition to her work in residence life, Vicka frequently contributed to the university community-at-large through involvement such as serving as an Administrative and Title IX Hearing Officer and organizational investigator, teaching in the Student Affairs and Higher Education program, co-chairing the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force and Implementation Groups, and chairing the Student Life Community and Belonging committee.
Beyond her campus commitments, Vicka is very involved in the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I). She recently served as the Chair of the Public Policy Advisory Committee as well as a member of the Future of the Profession Taskforce. In the fall of 2022, she was selected to represent the United States' approach to student housing by serving as a faculty member for the Student Housing Training Institute (SHTI) held in Pretoria, South Africa. A little bit closer to home, Vicka has recently been elected to the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) presidential track and will begin her term in November of 2023. Vicka’s time in the GLACUHO presidency track is a capstone experience to her over 20 years of involvement in the organization.
Vicka has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois, a Master of Education in College Student Personnel from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Miami University.
Vicka and her husband, Frank, have three children. She and her family enjoy watching movies, attending sporting events, and playing games. They are eager to join the Bloomington and Indiana University communities.
Best,
Lamar
Lamar R. Hylton, PhD
Vice Provost for Student Life
Office of Student Life
Hello Hoosiers —
Welcome to the fall semester! Today is my first day as your Vice Provost for Student Life, and it has been incredible seeing the campus come alive as we embark upon what I know will be an exciting, fulfilling, and challenging academic year together. I hope that you are settling into your classes nicely, exploring ways to make new connections, and embracing new opportunities to nurture your passions and fuel your creativity. This will be important as you shape and design your unique Hoosier experience here at IU Bloomington.
As I begin my service at this wonderful institution, I am excited to connect with students and learn about how we can elevate and enhance your experience. For me, the Hoosier student experience is what IU is all about. Whether you are a first-year student settling into Bloomington for the first time, studying abroad across the globe, exploring new opportunities on campus, or kicking off your senior year, my goal is for your time at Indiana University to truly be the best years of your life.
I hope to bump into you wearing your cream and crimson in the Indiana Memorial Union, at one of our many campus events, or in the gorgeous walkways of our campus soon. Please say hello so I can find out how best to support you throughout your Hoosier experience. You can also connect with me on Instagram and X at @drlamarhylton and with the Office of Student Life at @iustudentlife.
You belong here. I, along with the many faculty and staff across campus, stand ready to help you make the best of your Indiana University experience. Again, welcome to the new year and Go Hoosiers!
Best,
Dr. Hylton
Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Student Life
