After a national search that drew more than 100 applicants, Brenau University has hired Whitney McDowell-Robinson, Ph.D., as vice president for student development and engagement. She is expected to begin in the role in mid-June.
Brenau President Anne Skleder praised McDowell-Robinson as standing out in an extremely qualified field of candidates.
“We had a strong pool of candidates filled with many qualified professionals, which signifies the high level of interest in Brenau,” she said. “The role, previously vice president for student affairs, has been revamped to reflect an institutional focus on student success and engagement as reflected in Brenau’s strategic plan. Dr. McDowell-Robinson’s expertise in supporting students will be crucial to realizing the university’s mission to challenge students to live extraordinary lives.”
McDowell-Robinson comes to Brenau from Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, where she has served students in various roles since 2014, most recently as vice president for enrollment management and student services. She has a Ph.D. in urban higher education from Jackson State University, a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Jackson State University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tougaloo College.
“I am thrilled to join Brenau’s supportive, engaging and dynamic campus environment that fosters collaboration and active partnerships within the community that will benefit our scholars,” McDowell-Robinson said. “The holistic student experience is essential to the mission of higher education, and I am thankful to Dr. Skleder, the search committee, and the campus community for entrusting me to become a member of this forward-thinking institution.”
I am thrilled to join Brenau’s supportive, engaging and dynamic campus environment that fosters collaboration and active partnerships within the community that will benefit our scholars. The holistic student experience is essential to the mission of higher education, and I am thankful to Dr. Skleder, the search committee, and the campus community for entrusting me to become a member of this forward-thinking institution.
Whitney McDowell-Robinson, Ph.D., incoming vice president for student development and engagement
Brenau’s search committee interviewed eight semi-finalists and recommended two finalists for further on-campus interviews in early March.
The search committee was chaired by Laura Oliveira, Ph.D., interim vice president for enrollment management, and included Jim Eck, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs; Margie Gill, Ph.D., executive director for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives; Kelley Brock-Simmons, Ph.D., incoming dean of the College of Education; Mike Lochstampfor, vice president for athletics; Deirdre Cassell, executive director of academic initiatives and student success; and Holly Taylor, dean of student life and leadership.
Skleder expressed her appreciation for Debra Dobkins, Ph.D., who has been interim vice president for student affairs.
“My deepest appreciation, as well, to Dr. Dobkins, who has served students as the interim vice president for more than a year in addition to her duties as dean of The Women’s College and a faculty member,” Skleder said.
