The Office of the Dean of Students was created in 1965 to facilitate, through significant interaction with others, the reaching of the objectives of the college. Since its inception, it has overseen several departments, including admissions, athletics, counseling, health services, job placement, testing, financial aid, and student activities.

The office underwent a name change in 1967 to become Student Personnel Services. It was changed again in 1976 to Student Services. The title Dean of Students was changed in 1984 to Vice President for Student Services.

In 1997, the department reorganized and subsequently merged with Instructional Services to become the Office of Instruction and Student Services.

Irving S. (Bud) Hakanson served as the Office's first dean of students. In 1948, Hakanson received his B.A. from Linfield College in Physical Education and Social Science. He went on to earn his M.Ed from Oregon State University in 1951. Before becoming Dean of Students in 1965, Hakanson worked in various educational positions. He left LCC in 1969 to take over the position as president of Clark Community College in Vancouver, Washington. He later served as President of Rogue Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

In 1969 John E. (Jack) Carter took over as dean of students. Carter attended Southern Oregon State College where he received a B.S. in elementary education in 1954. The University of Oregon awarded him a M.Ed degree in 1963. He began working at LCC in 1967 as a counselor and director of student activities until he took over as dean in 1969. He retained this position until 1988 when he left to serve as interim president of LCC. He retired in 1990.