News
Roberts Restructures Academic Programs and Appoints Five New Deans
Roberts Wesleyan College leaders have announced the recently appointed deans who will lead five newly created schools, effective July 1. After considering valuable input from faculty and academic staff, President Dr. Deana L. Porterfield and Chief Academic Officer Dr. David Basinger designated the following new schools and appointed the corresponding individuals listed below to two-year terms as deans:
- School of Arts and Humanities: Dr. Scott Caton
- School of Business: Dr. Steven Bovee
- School of Natural and Social Sciences: Dr. Julie Grimm
- School of Nursing: Dr. Cheryl Crotser
- School of Education and Social Work: Dr. David Skiff
This restructuring comes as leaders at Roberts continue to implement initiatives that support a strategic plan built by the college and approved by the Board of Trustees in 2013. The ongoing objectives are growing enrollment, increasing intellectual vitality, enhancing visibility, community building and strengthening finances.
“I am deeply impressed with the leadership and scholarship of the new deans, as well as their vision and ability for implementing the goals of our strategic plan,” Porterfield said.
The newly appointed deans will oversee nearly 70 undergraduate and graduate programs collectively. With a rich Christian heritage, Roberts is committed to providing students with transformational experiences that focus on graduates who will bring with them an ability to see, care for and love others while being committed to excellence in their fields.
“I am pleased to announce these leaders to the college, as there is so much excitement and opportunity,” Basinger said. “Each brings unique experiences, academic strengths, and a call to educate men and women of Christian character who will transform our world.”
Bios for New Deans:
- Dr. Scott Caton, School of Arts and Humanities
 Dr. Scott Caton is a Roberts Wesleyan College undergraduate alum and has served the college for 25 years. In addition to his role as professor of history, he serves as coordinator of the pre-law program and is an ordained priest with the Catholic church. Caton received his M.A.R. from the Westminster Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Rochester. On campus, Caton specializes in American cultural, religious and intellectual history, church history, Puritanism, and Tudor and Stuart England. He teaches Western Civilization, American Studies, Christianity in America and G.K. Chesterton. |
- Dr. Steven Bovee, School of Business
 As professor of business and economics, co-director of undergraduate and graduate business programs, coordinator of the College Strategic Plan and coordinator of program development, Dr. Steven Bovee joined Roberts Wesleyan in the fall of 1997. He has served as chair of the Division and Department of Business since 1998. Bovee earned his Ph.D. in economics from Oklahoma State University and a B.S. in accounting and M.B.A. from Oral Roberts University, where he was also on the faculty prior to coming to Roberts Wesleyan. He previously served Roberts Wesleyan College as director of the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and undergraduate business programs, and as coordinator of Academic Program Development, assisting the college with the startup of 18 new academic programs. A native of upstate New York, he and his wife, Krista, have been married for 25 years and have five children. When he's not on campus, Bovee enjoys fishing, hunting and evening campfires with his family. |
- Dr. Julie Grimm, School of Natural and Social Sciences
 Dr. Julie Grimm is a Roberts Wesleyan undergraduate alum and became a full-time regular faculty member in the fall of 1999. She has held several positions on campus, serving as professor of psychology, chair of the Division of Social Sciences from 2005 to 2012, and chair of the Department of Psychology since fall of 2012. The licensed psychologist is director of the undergraduate psychology program and chair of Faculty Senate. Grimm served as the transitional dean to the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences from May 2011 to June 2012 during the college’s transition to the two-school model. |
- Dr. Cheryl Crotser , School of Nursing
 As associate professor of nursing, director of the graduate nursing program and chairperson of the Department of Nursing, Dr. Cheryl Crotser joined the Roberts Wesleyan team in the spring of 2007. Her areas of expertise include nursing administration, nursing staff development, and the maternal, women’s health and psychosocial aspects of hereditary cancer syndromes and nursing and spiritual care. She is heavily involved with local organizations, serving as a member of the Oncology Nurses Society and Sigma Theta Tau International, Tau Xi Chapter. Crotser is a dedicated volunteer for the American Cancer Society. |
- Dr. David Skiff, School of Education and Social Work
 Dr. David Skiff received his bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College, followed by an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary, LMSW from University of Kentucky and Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. He joined Roberts Wesleyan in the fall of 1996. He serves as professor of social work and has served as chair of the Department of Social Work since 2010. He is the director of the BSW program. Skiff’s areas of focus are marriage and the family, and intimate partner violence. Skiff is involved with the North American Association of Christians in Social Working, Baccalaureate Program Directors, Phi Alpha Honor Society, and the National Association of Deans and Directors. |