More than a placeholder

When you hear Boyd Yarbrough talk about the students at Cleveland State University (CSU), it’s easy to hear his passion. 

“We serve a strong contingent of first-generation students who don’t have the traditional family structure and support that many other students have throughout the country,” he says.

His attachment to the students was immediate, which might come as a surprise since Yarbrough only intended to be at CSU for six to eight months. Yarbrough was hired as an interim vice president for student affairs through the comprehensive higher education consulting firm Keeling & Associates.  

“Some people come in thinking an interim is here for a short period of time and nothing significant is going to change or happen during that period of time,” Yarbrough says. “Surely this person will just be a placeholder.”

Boyd Yarbrough was determined NOT to be a placeholder. And his track record speaks for itself.

The student affairs department at the University was in need of change and the president felt Yarbrough was a great match to take on its challenges.  

“I immediately launched into an assessment which is what led to a restructuring. We merged student affairs and campus support series, which are all of the axillaries at Cleveland State.”

Yarbrough enjoys helping student navigate what higher education is about. Helping students understand it all from a financial aid perspective and a campus support perspective. Also, he wanted to teach them the important of attending class, engaging with the staff inside and outside of classes. Those are all part of the learning opportunities that present themselves at Cleveland State.

“These students are particularly hungry for that type of structure and are invested in making this work. They bring an intrinsic value of this educational opportunity and their deeply appreciative and so it’s a highly motivated group of students to work with and that was large part to the appeal to me.” 

As part of the restructuring, in June 2014, Dr. Yarbrough was appointed as vice president for student affairs permanently. 

Now at the tail end of wrapping up a national search for an assistant vice president for student affairs position, this final step will mark the end of the first wave of restructuring of student affairs at the University.

When asked about his experience as an interim, Dr. Yarbrough replied, “It was a perfect scenario for me and something I would explore again in my career when the time is appropriate.”

Proven to be an outstanding vice president of student affairs, Yarbrough has gained unique perspective on serving as both interim and permanent VPSA for the same institution. With this experience, his passion for student affairs work, and desire to work with the University’s students, Dr. Yarbrough and Cleveland State are both appreciative of finding that perfect match through NASPA’s Interim Executive Placement Services.

Additional information about serving as an interim administrator or having an interim placed at your institution can be found on the webpage for NASPA Interim Executive Placement Services powered by Keeling & Associates.

Ernest “Boyd” Yarbrough Bio:
Prior to working at CSU, Yarbrough spent 14 years at Furman University in senior leadership roles overseeing departments including human resources, university housing, administrative services, and strategic planning. Before Furman, he worked in higher education administration at Frostburg State University and Florida State University. He received his doctorate in education from Florida State, a master of arts from Appalachian State University and completed a bachelor of arts at Furman.