Friends, family, RSU faculty and staff members turned out recently to honor retiring vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) Dr. Richard Beck.
Held Friday, Dec. 13, the retirement reception recognized Dr. Beck’s 16 years of service to the university and higher education as RSU’s VPAA.
According to RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor, VPAA is one of the most important positions on a university campus.
“In addition to managing the academic offerings of the university, the office (of VPAA) must hire and retain faculty and adjuncts, address academic issues raised by students, manage assessment, ensure the university maintains accreditation, etc.,” Rasor said. “Dr. Beck has served well as VPAA and I, as well as many others, appreciate that service.”
Of his time at the university, Beck expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve at RSU.
“Educating the next generation is among the most important of ventures. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work toward this end with my colleagues at RSU.”
Rasor then presented Beck with a timepiece on behalf of the university, in appreciation of his 16 years of service.
Prior to coming to Rogers State University in 2008, Beck served at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, in the capacity of associate vice president for academic and student affairs, interim dean of enrollment management, and interim head of the Department of Art and Music.
Before that, he was employed at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, as assistant professor of music, associate professor of music, chair of the Department of Music and Drama, director of the Teaching and Learning Center, and professor of music.
He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He also earned a Master of Music in performance (orchestral instrument/ French horn) from the University of North Texas. He completed a Bachelor of Music in applied music (theory/ composition) from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Following Beck’s retirement, Academic Dean Dr. Susan Willis will serve as interim vice president for academic affairs until a full-time replacement is named.
Rogers State University is a regional university serving northeastern Oklahoma and is the only four-year public residential university in the Tulsa metropolitan area.