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Lising blends drive, people skills as new associate dean

Ian Lising began his duties as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in January. He joined the University of La Verne faculty in 2000 as assistant professor of speech and debate. / photo by Donna Martinez
Ian Lising began his duties as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in January. He joined the University of La Verne faculty in 2000 as assistant professor of speech and debate. / photo by Donna Martinez

Cody Luk
Editor at Large

Ian Lising, assistant professor of speech and debate, is excited for his new chapter at the University as the new associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, after being appointed by Dean Lawrence Potter in December.

“Ian is an extraordinary resourceful person, and he is committed to the mission of the University,” Potter said. “It’s really important as the associate dean to be knowledgeable and an extraordinary strong problem solver, and more importantly, (he is) approachable and people can work with him. He is thoughtful, well organized and truly a champion for students.”

Lising has been at the University since 1999, when he was hired as the debate team coach.

He began teaching in 2000 and founded the speech communication department with Jeanne Flora, who was department chairwoman at the time.

After Flora left the University, Lising took on her position in 2009.

While Lising is an administrator now, he said he enjoys teaching a lot, and as associate dean he will continue to teach one course per semester.

“I was born to teach,” Lising said. “I was born to be in the classroom, and I know that not teaching as much as I did (before) would be a huge adjustment, but I also understood the need for this.”

He is currently teaching Voices of Revolution class for the spring semester.

“Just given the amount of support that I received from the University and the community is just so overwhelming, because everyone is so supportive of (my new position),” Lising said. “So having this opportunity means a lot to me, and I’m working really hard to make sure I am deserving of this.”

Teaching fewer classes to take on the administrative position reminded Lising of when he left his debate team coach position to become department chairman.

“I obviously felt bad about leaving debate coach – I came to the University to be a debate team coach, but it was necessary for me at that time and for the department,” Lising said. “(My new position) is an opportunity, and it’s more about what I can do for the school.”

Lising said he enjoys working in a team environment, and he thinks of his new position as associate dean fits his ideals because it provides support to the dean.

“Dean Potter has an amazing vision, and my role is to help him make that vision happen,” Lising said.

Lising said his favorite basketball player is Laker legend Magic Johnson, because he would always pass the ball.

Similarly, Lising is a team player who approaches tasks with a collaborative leadership style.

“If you can make someone else better, that’s a beautiful thing,” Lising said. “I see my role as that. I’m here to assist (Potter), because he’s a wonderful man with a wonderful vision.”

Rather than aiming to be promoted, Lising only has one ambition – to fulfill the tasks and roles necessary to improve the College of Arts and Sciences and the University.

“If this means it’s for me to serve in this (associate dean) role, then I’ll take it, because my dedication to this community is what I’m about,” Lising said. “It’s what makes me me and what defines me. For some people, they want to take on a job and go up the ladder – that’s not my goal.”

Potter believes the most important issues to focus on are multi-year scheduling, seamless and organized operations and faculty development, especially for adjunct faculty.

Potter also hopes Lising will spend time on building relationships with students and faculty.

“This job requires a lot of hands-on people skills, and also, it will be important for him to recognize the big picture vision that I have as dean and to be able to fill in the gaps for the vision,” Potter said.

Robert Ruiz, interim chair of the speech communications department and director of forensics has known Lising since 2000.

“Working with him is the best opportunity in a career I have ever had,” Ruiz said. “He displays such professionalism with the right touch of personal care. You would never know when he is having a bad day, because he must make sure you are doing well first.”

Ruiz also said Lising balances task-based leadership with superior interpersonal skills.

“I am not sure he is even aware of how natural and exemplary (his leadership style) is,” Ruiz said. “He truly attracts the perfect blend of followers in his field.”

Lising said he is always available to serve the faculty, staff and students.

“Whatever work I can do and services I can provide, I’ll do for the school,” Lising said. “However I can do it, I’m really happy to accept that role.”

Cody Luk can be reached at cody.luk@laverne.edu.

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