New Associate Dean

 

Robert Stewart, Interim Associate Dean

This past winter, Michelle Piskulich left her role as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences to begin a position as associate provost for the Academic Affairs department at OU. Robert Stewart, OU Psychology chair and professor, took over the vacant position and is now the interim associate dean for the college.

Stewart received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia. From there, Stewart went on to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he earned  Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Human Development and Family Studies.

While finishing his doctorate degree, Stewart decided to pursue a career as a professor, a move that would allow him to continue in research and ongoing education. Stewart’s mentor at Penn State suggested he look at Oakland University because he was especially impressed with the work of the Meadow Brook Seminars that guided the creation of OU. After graduating from Penn State, Stewart began teaching in the Psychology department at OU.

Now, 30 years later, Stewart explained that his experience as a professor and chair have helped him with his new role as interim associate dean. “I have enjoyed my years at OU and now find myself in the position to assist others in building the future of this institution. My goal is to use my ‘institutional knowledge’ to enhance our efforts to improve existing programs and to create new ones. I am especially interested in interdisciplinary opportunities, and I look forward to working with a broader array of colleagues across the campus."

As associate dean, Stewart is overseeing and advocating for the College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate program. He works to establish new programs and create relationships among others. Currently, Stewart is working to develop stronger ties between the college’s humanities and social sciences programs and the new Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.

Though Stewart is uncertain whether he will be able to continue teaching, he has found a way to follow his first passion, research. Stewart has been leading a research project with four rotating psychology students over the past three years. This project is investigating perceptions of happiness and the things an individual can do obtain and sustain happiness.

“My time at OU has been filled with many adventures and a wide variety of assignments. I am looking forward to taking on this new position, its challenges and its rewards. I don’t view this change as one of abandoning psychology so much as extending my horizons to a much broader arena. At this point in my career it is great to be excited about doing new things each day.”