leslie Howland
John Yarabeck was named Dean of Students at Sam Houston State University earlier this month.
Yarabeck served as associate dean of student, until approximately 15 months ago, when he was named interim dean of students.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that the university had enough confidence to select me,” he said. “To become dean of students at a major university was beyond my wildest dreams when I was in graduate school.”
“This is a wonderful place,” he added. “Sam Houston State has a great character, great size, great location and great students.”
Yarabeck’s duties include crisis team coordinator, chief judicial officer, adviser to the Freshman Leadership Program and co-adviser of the student government association.
“I have one of those unique jobs,” he said. “One day is never the same as another.”
He also deals with students who have medical issues or family issues.
For instance, deaths in the family or students who have serious medical issues where it is necessary class is missed.
Yarabeck has been on the board of directors for the Huntsville Rotary Club for two years.
He is also a part of the Huntsville Cruisers classic car club for the past four years.
In his spare time, Yarabeck shows off his 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible at area events.
He will drive in this weekend’s Christmas parade along with other members from the classic car club. Yarabeck has been involved with classic cars for the past 16 years.
“It’s a way to reach out and be a part of the community and have fun in the process,” he said.
Yarabeck also enjoys attending on-campus events such as sporting events, theater, lectures and other extracurricular activities.
