Dr. Robert Goltra III
Aug. 23, 2023–Dr. Robert Goltra III will be the next assistant vice president, dean of students at Missouri Western State University. He will begin his duties Aug. 23.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Goltra to the Missouri Western family,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western’s president. “His extensive experience in higher education, particularly in student affairs, will serve our students and our campus community well.”
“Student engagement and success have always been at the forefront of my career in education,” Dr. Goltra said. “This leadership opportunity excites me as I will have daily opportunities to collaborate with faculty and staff to further enhance the overall student experience at Missouri Western State University. My experience, passion, and programmatic expertise for serving first-generation, underserved and underrepresented students will serve the MWSU student body, faculty and staff well as we team to support students in meeting their educational goals.”
In his new role, Dr. Goltra will oversee Missouri Western’s Center for Student Involvement, Career Development Center, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Student Counseling Center, Nontraditional and Commuter Student Center, and Housing and Residence Life. The dean of students is also responsible for student conduct and works in collaboration with the University’s general counsel and chief of police.
Dr. Goltra has been in higher education for 13 years as a faculty member and administrator serving most recently as vice president for student affairs and admissions services at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. He previously served at Metropolitan Community College, Fort Scott Community College, Missouri Southern State University and Grand Canyon University. Prior to working in higher education, he served as a K-12 administrator for ten years.
Dr. Goltra received a doctorate from Lindenwood University and a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University. He played two seasons for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.