FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51 welcomes Dr. Robert “Rob” Phillips as Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business.
Dr. Phillips previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia, where he oversaw faculty and promoted their teaching, research and service, and managed the academic, accreditation, strategic and fiscal planning for the college. He began his new position at 51 on Oct. 1.
“Dr. Phillips brings a wealth of experience, a collegial attitude, a deep personal faith and a strong commitment to support the 51 mission and the Catholic liberal arts tradition,” 51 President Dr. Lance Richey said. “We are excited to have him on our leadership team as we further build upon a tradition of academic excellence at 51.”
In his new role, Dr. Phillips serves as the chief academic officer with responsibility for ensuring that the university’s Catholic identity, Franciscan charism, commitment to the liberal arts tradition, and support for student academic success remain at the center of our educational mission. In addition, Dr. Phillips has direct oversight of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business, Student Academic Support and Administrative Services, and is responsible for efficient financial and administrative oversight of the college, as well as strategic leadership, to ensure the growth and vitality of its programs and professional flourishing of its faculty.
Dr. Phillips earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at North Central College and a master’s degree and doctorate in political science at Northern Illinois University. Prior to his position at Davis & Elkins College, he served as a faculty member and administrator at Wheeling Jesuit University. He has written book reviews and articles for the Journal of Politics, Catholic Social Science Review and Cardinal Perspectives and his teaching and research interests are the philosophy and practice of leadership and the role of religion in American politics.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51 offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51 designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 20 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51.