Columbia College Dean Named New Dean of Faculty at Westminster College

Westminster President Dr. Fletch Lamkin named a Columbia College dean with over 40 years of higher education experience, 17 of which are in administration, as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Westminster College. 

Dr. Charles David Roebuck, Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri has accepted this leadership role at Westminster. 

I am honored beyond words to be selected as Westminster’s Vice President and Dean of Faculty,” says Dr. Roebuck. “After spending the last 40 years in higher education, 37 of those as a full-time faculty member, I understand the significance and relevance of this appointment and look forward to working with faculty, staff, and administration to maintain Westminster’s tradition of excellence.” 

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Roebuck to lead our faculty in upholding the exemplary student experience Westminster is nationally known to offer,” says President Lamkin. “Dr. Roebuck has demonstrated steady leadership and an unwavering commitment and passion for students and the student experience of a liberal arts education in his previous positions, and I look forward to working with him as we elevate the academic programs and student experience at Westminster to even greater heights of excellence.” 

In addition to Dr. Roebuck’s passion for student success and extensive experience in higher education management, President Lamkin pointed out Dr. Roebuck’s prestigious record as a respected and accomplished leader in higher education with demonstrated integrity as characteristics which made him the ideal choice. 

Before becoming Dean of six of Columbia College’s ten academic departments in 2016 with 45 full-time and 500 part-time faculty, Dr. Roebuck served as Interim Dean for Academic Affairs (2013-2014) and chaired two different academic departments for a total of thirteen years.  

He also served as coordinator of Columbia College’s Honors Program during the 1997-1998 academic year. 

During his 22-year tenure at Columbia College, Dr. Roebuck has served on 23 different academic and curriculum committees, task forces and councils; proposed and developed three different degree programs; and served as President of the Columbia College Faculty Association. 

He holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Mississippi. 

“Every decision I make, and every decision I have made for the last forty years, has the students’ best interests at heart because they are the reason we do what we do and I know everyone affiliated with Westminster feels the same,” says Dr. Roebuck. “Working together we can make Westminster even greater. I cannot wait to get started!” 

The Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Westminster works closely with President Lamkin, the cabinet and the faculty to ensure Westminster is living up to its mission of helping students discover their purpose and achieve success through the highest standards for student experience and balances the interests of the faculty and administration with student centrism as the guide. 

The search to fill this key position of Westminster’s chief academic officer on the President’s cabinet began last April with a goal of presenting a candidate for the position to the Board of Trustees by July. 

A six-member search committee of faculty and staff screened and assessed candidates based on their desired attributes and feedback was sought by a variety of campus constituencies in a transparent and inclusive process with the final decision made by President Lamkin. 

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Roebuck to the Westminster family,” says President Lamkin.  “I believe he has the extensive experience and expertise in higher education academic management to inspire change, build teams and lead faculty.” 

Founded in 1851, Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri is one of the top liberal arts colleges in America, according to major educational ranking firms, including U.S. News & World Report, Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review and Washington Monthly. Westminster is a challenging academic environment where students receive the kind of one-on-one instruction and support needed to find the power in their purpose. Ninety-six percent of Westminster graduates start their first job or enroll in graduate or professional schools within six months of graduation. 

To find out more about Westminster College, go to www.westminster-mo.edu.