Several new administrative appointments have taken place within the Division of Student Affairs, according to university officials.

Brian Kuster, the former director of Housing and Residence Life, was appointed vice president for Student Affairs at the end of last semester. After being appointed, Kuster made several new appointments within the division.

“It’s been an exciting month or so,” he said.

Lynne Holland was appointed the new chief diversity officer, according to an email from President Gary Ransdell. The position was formerly associated with the Academic Affairs office and is now within the Student Affairs division.

Holland said she could not comment at time of publication.

In the email announcing Holland’s appointment, Ransdell said, “By transferring the Chief Diversity Officer duties from Academic Affairs to Student Affairs, we, in my opinion, properly align these important services with other student-related services in the Division of Student Affairs.”

Kuster said the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion was “put back under Student Affairs just last Monday.”

“That office had been under Student Affairs about 8 years ago,” he said. “It was kind of a natural move back into Student Affairs because the primary focus is on students.”

Holland was also recently appointed assistant vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students by Brian Kuster. Formerly, Holland served as the director for the Center of Career and Professional Development and the Student Accessibility Resource Center.

Holland appointed Robert Unseld, who was formerly assistant director for the two centers, to her former positions.

Holland was contacted for comment on her new appointments but was not available for comment.

Kit Tolbert, who was the director of Housing Operations, has been appointed to Kuster’s former position as the director of HRL.

“Kit and I have worked together for 30 years or more,” Kuster said. “She was obviously a natural choice for that position. Kit was getting ready to retire on March 31 … but she decided to stay around for this opportunity.”

Kuster said all appointments and changes within Student Affairs became effective on Jan. 2, the staff’s first day back from break.

“Our biggest resource for helping students is our professional staff,” Kuster said. “They’re very well trained and dedicated. We have a very diverse leadership within the division also, which I think is important.”