DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 13, 2023) — Joseph M Roidt PhD, current Provost at Dakota Wesleyan University, has been named the next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) at St Ambrose University. Dr Roidt will succeed Paul Koch PhD, who is retiring at the end of this academic year after serving in the role since 2014.
Under the guiding influence of St Ambrose University’s President Amy C Novak EdD, the Provost/VPAA is a vital faculty and student advocate as the University embarks on several innovative campus-wide strategic initiatives that position St Ambrose as leaders for the next generation of learners in higher education.
Dr Novak had the following to say about the new Provost/VPAA: “Dr Roidt’s background evidenced successful adaptive and inclusive leadership practices, strong governance acumen, and a commitment to building learning infrastructure to open doors of opportunity to all students across their lifespan. His strong focus on developing trust with faculty and staff as a first step in equipping an organization for change speaks to his understanding of the importance of building strong organizational cultures in facilitating new initiatives or strengthening current practices. He facilitates change by creating environments characterized by a collaborative and democratic ethos, in which promising ideas are valued and utilized irrespective of whose ideas they are. I anticipate that Dr Roidt will be eager to learn and understand the needs and perspectives of various faculty and staff groups as he begins his work here.
“Additionally, Dr Roidt demonstrated an ability to effectively implement strategic plans that have been deeply informed by the trends and challenges in the higher-education landscape. His ability to leverage best practices in innovation, learning science, and entrepreneurial thinking and apply them to the academy set him apart from other candidates.”
The breadth of Dr Roidt’s distinguished academic leadership career has prepared him well for this new role. Dr Roidt has held faculty appointments in Sociology at several institutions like St. Ambrose University, including Clark University, Wesleyan College, and Davis and Elkins College (D&E). He has served in several academic leadership roles, including Associate Provost (2009) and Vice President for Academic Affairs (2012) at D&E. He is now in his seventh year serving as the Chief Academic Officer at Dakota Wesleyan.
Dr Roidt, who grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kent State University (1987), said he was drawn to St Ambrose’s commitment to the common good, to social justice, and to community service and impact.
“As a sociologist by training, I am hesitant to cast grand visions prematurely,” said Roidt. “I want first to work to develop a strong understanding of what is possible with respect to specific initiatives and the potential pace of change. I am drawn to President Novak’s vision of positioning St Ambrose as a leader in the next generation of higher education. The recognition of the need to remain true to the university's commitment to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and the liberal arts while simultaneously developing the capacity to meet the needs of business and to broaden access to learners across their respective lifespans — simply the articulation of this challenge positions St Ambrose ahead of many other institutions.
“My campus visits have strengthened my sense of the authenticity and culture at St Ambrose. Students, faculty, and staff are genuinely invested in, and proud of, their campus community. This provides the critical foundation for the strategic vision and work required to achieve it.”
Dr Roidt’s work in advancing private, faith-based institutions is evident. His dexterous competence has helped launch various new and innovative programs and initiatives in traditional, online, off-site, certificate, degree-completion, and hybrid learning environments. This skill set aligns well with St Ambrose as they launch innovative online learning such as the new Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing at St Ambrose University.
“Dr Roidt will be a strong contributor to the leadership team here at St Ambrose University,” said Novak. “He holds a deep commitment to faith-based institutions and evidenced a desire to learn more about the Catholic intellectual tradition. He shared his deep resonance with the Catholic belief in the intrinsic value of each human being, an understanding that humans flourish within healthy communities, and a commitment to using an education rooted in the Ambrosian values to strengthen the common good.”
“I look forward to working with Dr Roidt, the faculty, staff, students and alumni to continue to ensure the strength of St Ambrose long into the future.”
About St Ambrose University
Founded in 1882 by the Diocese of Davenport, St Ambrose University’s commitment to academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice, and service is rooted in its Catholic intellectual tradition. The leading, private university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than sixty undergraduate majors, eleven Master’s degrees, and three doctoral programs. One-hundred and thirty years since its inception, St Ambrose education remains centered on intentional, holistic, and experiential learning to develop high-impact world shapers in every field. To learn more about St Ambrose University, visit sau.edu.
