PortalOffice of the Dean of Students Staff
Joy Byers
Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Email: jlbyers@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.2242 Location: DeBartolo Hall 301
Joy Polkabla Byers currently serves as the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Youngstown State University (YSU). She holds a Bachelor of Specialized Studies in Music and Recreation from Ohio University and a Master of Education in Recreation Management from the University of Georgia.
Joy began her career in collegiate recreation in 2002 at Kent State University as the Fitness Coordinator. In 2005, she joined YSU—just 10 miles from her hometown—as the Assistant Director of Programs and Special Events for the Department of Campus Recreation. In this role, she was actively involved with the Ohio Recreation Intramural Sports Association and expanded the department to include Student Programming, founding a student programming board.
In 2011, Joy was promoted to Director of Campus Recreation. By 2018, she became the Executive Director of Campus Recreation and Student Well-being, adding oversight of Veterans Affairs, Student Counseling Services, and the University Health Center contract.
In January 2021, Joy transitioned to Associate Vice President of Student Experience, where she took on leadership of the Student Center, Housing and Residence Life, and expanded her contract management experience to include dining services and the campus bookstore.
Joy is passionate about developing both students and staff within Student Affairs, helping them discover and pursue their passions. Outside of her professional role, she values her family deeply and enjoys being active in softball and 4H with her husband and children.
Emily Loudon, M.Ed
Assistant Dean of Students Advocacy, Support & Wellbeing
Email: eloudon@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.4704 Location: DeBartolo Hall 311
Emily serves as the Assistant Dean of Students for Advocacy, Support, and Wellbeing, where she led efforts to foster a campus environment that prioritizes student care, safety, and holistic wellness. Emily’s approach centers on empowering students through education, compassionate outreach, and responsive systems of support. With a deep commitment to student success, Emily oversees, case management, and student advocacy, ensuring that students have access to the resources and support they need to thrive both personally and academically.
With over 10 years of experience in student affairs and higher education leadership Emily has held progressive responsibilities ranging from Student Activities, Student Organizations, Intramurals, Housing, Conduct and Title IX.
She holds a bachelor’s from University of Mount Union, and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Akron. Currently a PH.D candidate in Organizational Leadership through Eastern University (PA) her research is focused on generations and how organizations can serve different generations and how organizations can serve different generations workplace preferences.
Elijah Burch, MS
Case Manager
Email: elburch@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.4036 Location: DeBartolo Hall 315
Elijah received his Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University in 2025, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Mount Union in 2022. He has his license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has served as an Athletic Academic Advisor and Counseling intern at YSU in the past two years. He also has experience in coaching football at the college and high school level.
Joel Straley, B.A.
Coordinator, Community Standards and Student Conduct
Email: jtstraley@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.7285 | Location: Debartolo Hall 312
Joel serves as the Coordinator of Community Standards Student Conduct at Youngstown State University. Joel holds dual bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Non-Profit Administration from Cleveland State University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education with a focus on College Counseling and Student Affairs at YSU, further enhancing his commitment to student development and campus engagement. Before joining YSU, Joel gained valuable experience in the non-profit sector, where he developed a passion for supporting individuals and fostering community growth. This experience has shaped his dedication to creating a positive and inclusive campus environment at YSU. In his role, Joel works passionately to uphold the university’s commitment to student conduct and community standards, ensuring a supportive and respectful atmosphere. He is deeply invested in empowering students to thrive both academically and personally. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Joel enjoys music, movies, and traveling.
Warren Hall
DOS/SCS Administrative Specialist 3
Email: wahall@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.3737 | Location: Debartolo Hall 319
Warren Hall received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from the University of West Florida in 2002. He has over 20 years of prior Law Enforcement experience in Florida, Georgia, and Ohio. He served as a Recruiter, then as the Director of Human Resources and Procurement for Century Correctional Institution from 2020 to 2024. He is currently the Office Administrator for the Dean of Students and Student Counseling Services.