Mustafa tapped as USI Vice President for Student Affairs

Following a national search, Dr. Abeer Mustafa has been selected as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Southern Indiana, effective Monday, June 23.  

“Dr. Mustafa brings a wealth of knowledge to the University and will serve us well as Vice President for Student Affairs,” said USI President Steve Bridges. “Her extensive background in student affairs, combined with her genuine passion for supporting students and fostering divergent ideas, aligns perfectly with USI’s mission and values. I’m confident her leadership will make a lasting, positive impact on our students and the entire campus community.” 

Most recently, Mustafa served as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor at the University of Tennessee Southern. She is a seasoned higher education leader with over two decades of experience advancing student success, enrollment management and strategic planning. She has served in senior leadership roles at institutions across the country where she collaborated closely with executive leadership to shape inclusive, data-informed strategies supporting student retention, wellness and engagement. Previously, she served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and before that, Executive Director at California State University, Chico.  

With a strong background in strategic planning, she has helped institutions align organizational priorities with measurable outcomes that drive institutional effectiveness and student success. 

“I am deeply honored to be chosen to join USI and become part of this vibrant community committed to academic excellence and student engagement,” says Mustafa. “My vision is to develop the division's organizational priorities to drive toward the measurable outcomes that propagate institutional effectiveness and the central goal of student success. My goal is to collaborate across campus to remove barriers, strengthen engagement, and ensure every student has the resources, encouragement and opportunities needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.” 

As the University’s chief student affairs officer, Mustafa will provide intellectual and administrative leadership, guiding the University’s Student Affairs services and programs as well as University-wide initiatives. Also providing programmatic, assessment and financial leadership for Student Affairs departments, she will serve as an advocate for all students in the University community. 

Student Affairs departments include Counseling and Psychological Services; Dean of Students Office; Housing and Residence Life; Multicultural Center; Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center; Religious Life; Center for Campus Life; and USI Deaconess Clinic. Mustafa will report to the President, is part of President’s Council and Provost’s Council, and will work closely with faculty, staff, students and community leaders on all matters affecting the student experience. 

Outside of work, Mustafa enjoys traveling, cooking, cheering on Houston sports teams and spending time with family—including her twin boys, husband and loyal dog Max. 

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mustafa holds a doctorate degree in organizational leadership from Oakland City University; master’s degrees in legal studies and business administration from the University of Tennessee School of Law and Sam Houston State University, respectively; and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston-Downtown.