Administration

Communications

Vice President for Academic Affairs to leave Culver-Stockton
Thursday, January 14, 2010

Culver Stockton College announced today, Thursday, January 14, that Dr. R. Joseph Dieker, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, is leaving the college at the end of the academic year for a similar position at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Dieker, a 1979 graduate of Warner Pacific College in Portland, Ore., holds a master of music degree from the University of Oregon, a doctor of musical arts degree from Arizona State University, and has completed post-doctoral work in educational management at Harvard University. He came to Culver-Stockton as an associate professor of music in 1989 after a nine-year term as a music faculty member at Warner Pacific. He served as the chair of the Fine Arts Division from 2001-04 and began his duties as dean of the college in 2004.

During his tenure at Culver-Stockton, he elevated the music department to new heights including leading the department to its first accreditation as a member of the National Association of Schools of Music. He has been integral in the development of the college’s strategic and campus master planning process, and has been instrumental in introducing Culver-Stockton’s unique EXP@CSC curriculum program. “We are very appreciative of the tremendous talent Dr. Dieker has shared with us over the years,” said Dick Valentine, C-SC president. “He has been a valued advisor, outstanding educator, and scholar.”

Culver-Stockton will immediately begin a nationwide search to fill the position. A search committee will be formed with the intent of naming a replacement by the time of Dieker’s departure.
“I really cannot express my feelings about leaving Culver-Stockton and the Canton community,” said Dieker. “For over 20 years this college has been our home, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time of service. I look forward to applauding Culver-Stockton’s future success and accomplishments from up the road. I am grateful for the wonderful opportunities the college has provided me and am proud of my contributions to the betterment of Culver-Stockton College.”

“Thanks in part to Dr. Dieker’s leadership, Culver-Stockton is in a good position moving forward, as evidenced by the successful EXP@CSC curriculum and an upcoming rollout of the college’s new marketing and branding initiative,” added Valentine. “We are disappointed to see him leave but wish him and his wife Mary all the best with this new opportunity.”