Damon R. Sims believes people can't succeed in Student Affairs behind a desk or computer.
Sims, who was appointed the new Penn State vice president for Student Affairs yesterday, will bring his philosophy of close interaction with students to State College starting Aug. 1.
"I can't think of a better place to be for the rest of my career," Sims said.
Sims' appointment must be confirmed at the May 16 Board of Trustees meeting before he can begin his duties Aug. 1, Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers said.
Currently the associate vice provost for Student Affairs at Indiana University at Bloomington (IU), Sims is a licensed attorney and also previously served as a dean of students at the university, according to Penn State Live, live.psu.edu.
Sims said he wants to immerse himself in the lives of students as part of his open-door policy that he has had for three decades in student affairs.
Sims said he will emphasize student engagement outside the classroom -- political or civil -- to complement lessons learned in class.
"But it's less about me coming with an agenda than about insuring the institution lives up to its commitment to be student-centered," he said.
He said he wants students to be active participants in discussions about university decisions, with some exceptions such as curriculum or tenure.
Sims was chosen for his "tremendous mix of student affairs experience," adding that he has a longstanding commitment to students, Powers said.
She said Sims' law degree also adds good experience and dimension to his role.
Dan Sloat, vice president of Indiana University Student Association, said Sims has been involved in IU Student Affairs for about 26 years.
A.D. King, IU student trustee, said Sims brings a youthful perspective to his job and is always open to new ideas. Sims can sift through the processes to work with student leaders, he said.
"He's a strong believer in encouraging and pushing student leaders to figure out problems on their own," he said, adding that Sims has a good sense of humor.
"Congratulations, you got a steal ... The fact that you can pull Damon Sims away from IU shows the opportunities at Penn State," King said.
Dick McKaig, dean of students at IU, said Sims is approachable and knowledgeable about student and legal issues and is a trusted adviser and counselor for numerous student groups.
"I would say his hallmark in the area of student involvement is institutional decision making," McKaig said.
Every two years, a group of students chosen by McKaig and the student body president decide on recommendations to the administration for all non-tuition student fees including health, technology and activity. Sims, who advocates for student access to information, served as the adviser for the students as they worked on the recommendations, he said.
McKaig said the administration has passed the same recommendations the students submitted every year since 1978.
He said Sims' new job is "clearly one of the premier jobs in the country," and Sims has been at IU long enough to consider moving into a top job elsewhere.
During Sims' undergraduate years at IU, he served as president of the Student Recreational Sports group, McKaig said.
Sims will replace interim Vice President for Student Affairs Gail Hurley, who served in the position after Vicky Triponey resigned in September. Triponey acted as vice president for Student Affairs for more than four years.
Hurley will return to her previous role in housing and food services, Powers said.
"Our national search for a vice president of Student Affairs has resulted in an exceptionally qualified candidate who has an outstanding track record in addressing the needs of students," Penn State President Graham Spanier said in a Live statement.
