Feb. 14, 2008
Toston new UT Martin vice chancellor for student affairs
MARTIN, Tenn. – Dr. Margaret Y. Toston has been named University of Tennessee at Martin vice chancellor for student affairs effective July 1. Toston, Central Connecticut State University vice president for student affairs, was named by Dr. Tom Rakes, UT Martin chancellor, following the completion of a national search and from a field of 32 applicants. She will assume her responsibilities from Steve Vantrease, who has served as interim vice chancellor.
“Dr. Toston has broad leadership experience in student affairs, and I am pleased to have her join our senior leadership team,” said Rakes.
“I had many options for new opportunities, but it was UT Martin’s hospitality that won my affection,” said Toston. “Additionally, as I spoke with members of the community, scheduled and impromptu, everybody had one goal and that is student success. I felt as though I was among friends and family during the interview process, and that is very important to me. I am pleased that UT Martin invited me to become part of its leadership team. I have long awaited the opportunity to both return to my southern roots and to continue the work that I love to do.”
Toston received a bachelor’s degree in speech education at Grambling State University, a master’s of education in guidance/counseling at University of Louisiana at Monroe and a doctorate in higher education leadership at the University of Mississippi. She holds a certificate from Harvard University Institute for Management and Leadership in Education, and she has training from the University of Florida in targeted communications in enrollment management. She continues training in emergency management, safety and security.
Previously, Toston has served as dean of Student Life and Development at Maryville University of Saint Louis. She also served in three positions at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, coordinator for Minority Student Retention/Academic Enrichment, academic adviser and director for Disabled Student Services.
The new vice chancellor sees her strengths as advocating for students; assessing, evaluating and improving programs and services; reallocating resources to support new initiatives; and managing competing priorities. She also is adept at incorporating knowledge of higher education law into day-to-day decision making; shaping, reviewing and revising policies/procedures; and assembling and leading high-impact teams to support university goals.
“I am very excited about the announcement of Dr. Toston as vice chancellor for student affairs,” said Vantrease. “She has a background and experiences that would appear to fit well. I think UT Martin and UT Martin’s student affairs division will continue to grow and thrive under her leadership.” He added, “We are very fortunate to have a student affairs staff that is talented and truly devoted to serving students. We are ready to rally behind a new leader and welcome Dr. Toston to UT Martin.”
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