Columbia College appoints alumna Dr. Sandra Rouse as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
February 19, 2024
President John H. Dozier announced the appointment of Dr. Sandra Rouse ‘95, as the next Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Columbia College. Dr. Rouse has 25 years of experience in higher education, serving institutions in North and South Carolina, most recently Allen University as Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Rouse also served as Vice President for Campus Life and Student Development at Wofford College, with the majority of her related experience as Associate Dean of Students and eventually Dean of Students at Newberry College. Dr. Rouse is well-versed in undergraduate campus life, building institutional culture, and the transformational nature of the collegiate experience.
Dr. Dozier stated, “Dr. Rouse’s career speaks for itself. With decades of hands-on, student-facing experience, she is the perfect person to help us build on a rich tradition of student engagement by creating a student experience that leverages the best parts of our past while being focused on how we best prepare our students for success in the future. Columbia College will undoubtedly benefit from her leadership, dedication to community, and genuine care for students.”
Dr. Rouse received her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She holds an additional M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services with a Counseling emphasis from the University of South Carolina and a B.A. in Psychology with a second major in Dance from Columbia College. Her vast experience in higher education is coupled with extensive experience in ballet, contemporary, and jazz dance. She has served a number of organizations as a choreographer and instructor, and she is recognized as a Miss America accredited judge. With Dr. Rouse’s wealth of experience and dynamic community involvement, it is clear that she can and will serve the ever-evolving makeup of our student body.
Dr. Rouse shared, “I am overjoyed to return to my alma mater. I chose my career in higher education due to my experiences as a student and student leader at Columbia College. I look forward to leading Student Affairs and having a positive impact in the lives of our students.”
