Prior to joining the NCAA in 1998, Isch was vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Arkansas, where his areas of responsibility included academic and administrative computing, administrative services, budget, business office, controller, facilities planning, internal auditing, payroll and benefits, personnel, physical plant, purchasing, campus police, risk management, campus safety, and treasurer. Before his employment at Arkansas, Isch was vice president for administration at Montana State University (1986 top 1994), where he had similar duties. He was assistant vice president for facilities planning and budgets at Kansas State University from 1985 to 1986, where he had also served as budget director from 1982 to 1985 and assistant budget officer from 1977 to 1982. He received his bachelor and doctorate degrees from Kansas State University and his masters in business administration from Boston University.