Lyon College names Taylor new registrar

May 21, 2007

Lyon College’s new registrar started working for the college while still a student in 2001, 30 days before he even graduated.

And since that time, Donald Taylor has held various jobs, including Director of Alumni Relations and Director of Alumni and Parent Services.

"I've also served as President of Staff Assembly and sat on various institution committees," he said.

One of his favorite things about Lyon is the close-knit atmosphere, Taylor added.

"Everyone knows everyone else," he said. "My favorite thing in the alumni office has been seeing all the wonderful things alumni do when they leave Lyon, their impact on the world."

Taylor said he looks forward to learning what it means to be a registrar.

"I look forward to working with students, faculty and administration as I transition into the position," he said. "It's going to be interesting learning the new technology and finding ways to integrate the ‘traditional’ role of registrar into the realities of today's technology."

When he took over as alumni director after Lucy Yeager departed after nearly 10 years in the position, Taylor learned you can't ‘fill another person's shoes.’ You have to earn the respect of others for yourself. And that certainly goes for the standard of quality established by Janelle Reeves’ long run as registrar, he said.

"As alumni director I've had occasion to work closely with Janelle during Commencement and survey projects," Taylor said. "She's a true professional and good at her job. I'm not going to attempt to fill her shoes; no one can do that. I'll have to find ways to make the job my own and bring my own talents and qualities to it."

He looks back fondly on his time already spent at Lyon College, and he looks forward to performing his new job with the same enthusiasm that’s made him such a valuable asset to the college thus far.

"The past six years in Institutional Advancement has been a wonderful experience," Taylor said. "I've had the privilege to work with some of the finest professionals around as well as to work to advance this great college."