VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University has appointed a new leader who will work to strengthen the University’s commitment to student success, access, and support. Dr. Robert Dotson is the new Associate Dean of Students, effective Sept. 9.

The Chicago native has more than 25 years of experience in student affairs.

“Dr. Dotson has led successful campus-based programs and initiatives to support student civility, diversity, social justice, and inclusion, and we look forward to his contributions at VU,” VU Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty Dr. Laura Treanor said. “I am tremendously proud of the quality instruction that we offer at VU and I know for certain that our desired educational outcomes for students would not be possible without our colleagues in the VU Student Affairs Division.”

Dotson will head the VU Office of Judicial Affairs and oversee the Counseling Center, Diverse Abilities and Accommodations, and Parent and Family Services.

“Through the Student Affairs Division, Vincennes University strives to provide our students with the support needed to navigate a successful college experience,” VU Assistant Provost and Dean of Students Whitney Daugherty said. “I believe Dr. Dotson’s experience in student affairs and knowledge will assist the division in achieving these goals. Dr. Dotson will be a great addition to the Student Affairs Division with his experience and knowledge of judicial affairs. We look forward to welcoming him on campus.”

His substantial background has taught him what needs to be done to ensure the success of every student.

“I bring a wealth of experience because I have been in the field so many years and I’ve been blessed to have professional roles in many units that fall under student affairs,” Dotson said. “I have fortunately been able to transition into a variety of touch areas: residential life, student activities, building operations, multicultural affairs, Greek life, student conduct, and in doing that I have gained knowledge and experience in those areas. Additionally, I’ve worked with advisors, admissions, financial aid, alumni relations, and athletics on what we can do to assist and support students.”

Dotson earned a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He received a Master of Education in College Student Affairs from the University of South Florida. Dotson obtained a Bachelor of Science in Clothing and Textiles from Southern Illinois University. 

He comes to VU from Texas A&M University-Commerce where he served in various capacities, including Assistant Dean of Campus Life and Student Development, Director of Diversity and Cultural Affairs, and University Student Conduct Officer.

Before his appointments at Texas A&M University-Commerce, he served at Wright State University as Associate Director of Student Judicial Services and Greek Affairs. He was Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at Shepherd University, Program Advisor in the Office of Student Leadership and Activities at the University of South Florida, and Assistant Director of Wilson Commons/Student Activities at the University of Rochester. He started in higher education as a Graduate Assistant for the Housing Programming Office at Southern Illinois University.

He belongs to several organizations, including the Association for Student Conduct Administrators, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, American College Personnel Association, National Behavioral Intervention Team Association, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

“There is no shortage of creativity among our VU Student Affairs professionals and I am confident that Dr. Dotson’s wealth of experience in the field of student affairs will be a fantastic addition,” Treanor said.

Students, faculty, and staff should expect to see Dotson outside of his office. He relishes interacting with students and the campus community.

“One of the things I have been doing for years is getting out and going to student events,” he said. “That’s how I engage with students. I attend any number of activities throughout the academic year. Furthermore, I was one of the co-facilitators of the African-American male mentorship program (at Texas A&M-Commerce) and it gave students the opportunity to see me outside of my role as assistant dean. Lastly, I am a coffee drinker, so it’s not unlike me to walk across campus with my Starbucks mug and talk with students.”

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