JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 20, 2018 — John Foubert, professor of higher education and student affairs at Oklahoma State University, will join Union University as dean for the College of Education in July.
Foubert is a nationally-recognized scholar who has written extensively on Title IX, and he is a leader on initiatives to combat sexual harassment and pornography.
“As a believer who has worked in secular higher education for my whole career, I’ve been seeking just the right Christian institution at the right time,” Foubert said. “God made it clear that working at Union is the right place and now is the right time.”
John Netland, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Union, said he is delighted to welcome such an accomplished scholar to Union’s College of Education.
“Dr. Foubert is a widely-respected educational leader, whose passion for education is informed by his Christian convictions,” Netland said. “He understands education at all levels and is passionate about ensuring educational opportunity and success for all students.”
Union University President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said Foubert will be a wonderful addition to the academic leadership team at Union.
“His service at a major research university, his excellent scholarship that makes a meaningful difference for people, his commitment to excellence in all things, and his deep faith in Christ combine in such a way that our College of Education will continue to advance in the years ahead,” Oliver said.
Foubert has worked in higher education since 1992. He received his bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary and his master’s degree in general psychology from the University of Richmond. He completed his doctorate in college student personnel administration at the University of Maryland, College Park in 1998.
He served as assistant dean of students at the University of Virginia and became an associate professor of higher education in 2002 at the College of William and Mary. In 2009, he moved to Oklahoma State University, where he is currently serving. He has written numerous books and scholarly articles on issues such as gender, pornography and rape on college campuses.
Foubert said the students, faculty, staff and administration he has met at Union are top-notch and overwhelmingly friendly, and he looks forward to bringing his wife, two children and mother to be part of the Union community.
“I am excited to be joining such a great institution at this point in its history,” he said. “To be able to lead a College of Education that does such a good job of educating future teachers and leaders is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It is my deep honor to be asked to lead such a talented group of people who seek to make a difference in the lives of students.”