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Amy Ishmael, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, was recently appointed to serve as the Council Chairperson for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Council on Student Affairs. Ishmael accepted the position in July. “It is an honor to be a part of the Council on Student Affairs. The individuals that serve on this council do some of the most important work on our college campuses throughout the state,” Ishmael said. “They are passionate about serving the students in higher education and desire to make their experience the best that it can be.”
What is COSA? According to the OSRHE website, the Council on Student Affairs serves as a key advisory council to the chancellor, OSRHE staff and other state officials regarding issues and policies affecting the welfare and development of students enrolled in the Oklahoma higher education system. The council also serves as a forum for student affairs officers to discuss matters of common interest, conducts studies and issues reports designed to strengthen co-curricular programs and student support services at Oklahoma higher education institutions. Membership is comprised of principal student affairs officers from each institutional campus and higher education center (as appropriate) in the state system. In addition, a representative from the independent sector is invited to serve on the council’s executive committee, and student affairs officers from private institutions are invited to attend and participate in council meetings and activities.
Each year the Council develops a work plan to address issues that are facing the students in Oklahoma higher education. This year’s agenda includes items such as student substance abuse, mental health issues, services for veteran student, international students, and non-traditional students, and the Complete College American agenda. It is Ishmael’s responsibility to lead the council through their work on these issues and make recommendations on how we can improve the student experience in Oklahoma higher education. The council meets on a monthly basis to discuss on-going and developing issues. “I’m pleased that Oklahoma’s state system of public higher education will get to see the talent and energy that Amy brings to her profession, said NEO A&M College President, Dr. Jeff Hale. “She’s one of the hardest working, well-liked staff I’ve seen in my 25 years of higher education work.”
