For immediate release: May 19, 2011

BLOOMSBURG — Dione Somerville, dean of students at Iowa State University, has been selected as Bloomsburg University’s new vice president for student affairs. When she arrives at BU in late July, Somerville will fill a vacancy that has existed since the death of Preston Herring two years ago.

Jeff Long, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, has led the division since 2009 as interim vice president.

“We welcome Dr. Somerville to Bloomsburg and are pleased we will, once again, have a full team in Student Affairs,” said BU President David Soltz. “At the same time, I wish to express my gratitude to Dr. Long for stepping in after Preston’s untimely death.

"His leadership and positive relationships with many students, faculty, staff and alumni have allowed us to maintain a degree of stability in the student affairs area during this transition. I look forward to working with Jeff on future initiatives related to our students’ lives outside of the classroom.”

Somerville said she will bring to Bloomsburg the philosophy that has guided her at Iowa State: “to make the student experience as spectacular as possible.”

“I am excited about joining the Bloomsburg University community,” Somerville said. “I believe the students, faculty and staff are very dedicated to assuring the success of a vibrant student body.”

Somerville has served as dean of students at Iowa State University for more than four years, leading the Academic Success Center, Greek Affairs, Recreation Services, Student Assistance, Multicultural Student Affairs and Judicial Affairs.

Previously, she was director of enrollment services/registrar at Lorain County Community College, Elyria, Ohio; director of student affairs and services at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Cleveland; and director of student activities at Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University, master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 9,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.