Dr. Robert Herron Appointed to Serve as Dean of College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Robert Herron, a seasoned leader in higher education, has been named as dean of Regent University’s College of Arts & Sciences, effective July 10, 2017. Herron’s appointment comes following an extensive national search. Most recently, Herron has served as provost/executive vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University for the past five years.

“Dr. Herron’s impressive career aligns well with Regent’s ongoing vision of exponential growth through high quality academic programs,” said Regent Founder and Chancellor, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “He will build upon this trajectory of new in-demand program development to prepare our students for leadership and success.”

With a Ph.D. in Religion from Rice University, he also brings advanced training as a distinguished Research Fellow at Universität Tübingen in Germany and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education Management Development Program.

“Dr. Herron brings a wealth of academic growth experience and knowledge to Regent, and he will lead the College of Arts & Sciences forward to provide a high quality, transformative learning experience for our student body,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Regent’s executive vice president for academic affairs who also has served in the dual role as dean of the College since 2010.

Under Moreno-Riaño’s tenure as dean, the College’s rapid growth increased enrollment by 26 percent in fall 2016 and 33 percent in spring 2017. Much of this growth was fueled by a 100 percent increase in new academic programs in five years. The College now offers 54 associate, bachelor and master’s degree programs encompassing in-demand fields of study including healthcare, cybersecurity, business, computer science, psychology, nursing, and others.

At Oklahoma Wesleyan, Herron oversaw the development of 30 new or revised academic programs, as well as expanding many programs into effective and efficient online delivery formats.

“What a privilege to be joining Regent’s College of Arts & Sciences at such a pivotal time of growth and expansion for both the College and the university,” Herron said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the College’s wonderful faculty and staff, and most of all, I’m eager to start meeting Regent students and becoming part of the Regent community.”

Previously, Herron served as vice president for strategic projects at Trinity International University, provost at Waynesburg University, vice president for academic affairs at Southeastern University, and several positions including vice president and executive assistant to the president at Lee University, where he began as a professor of religion.

Herron holds a master’s degree in Religion from Rice University, a master’s degree in Humanities from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor’s degree in Biblical-Historical Studies from Lee University.