NEWS

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Newberry College Dean of Students Dr. Sandra Rouse has been honored by Columbia College with its 2019 Career Achievement Award, given “to an alumna who has distinguished herself and Columbia College by outstanding accomplishments in her career field.” She received the award as part of the school’s Alumnae Weekend.

“I am immensely honored to be recognized by my alma mater with this award,” said Rouse. “In the Columbia College and Newberry College traditions, we are called to a higher purpose, to serve causes larger than ourselves. I have been blessed with many opportunities to this end, and I believe it is my calling to help students find, and strive in, their own vocations.”

Rouse, a 1995 graduate of Columbia College, began her career in higher education as Newberry College’s Assistant Director of Residence Life and Student Activities in 1998. That same year, she earned a master’s degree in Student Personnel Services from the University of South Carolina, and she received a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2009. Rouse served other higher education institutions throughout the Carolinas from 2000-2014, when she returned to Newberry to serve as Associate Dean of Students. She was named interim Dean of Students in August 2016, assuming the permanent role in December of that year.

In her present role, Rouse is responsible for providing strategic direction for student-focused areas of the institution, including Housing and Residence Life, Campus Safety, Health and Counseling Services, Student Engagement, Greek Life, Student Leadership, Intramurals and Wellness, Judicial Affairs and Postal Services. She works closely with departments across campus to develop programs and services that promote student success, support student retention and ensure the timely graduation of students.

A native of Barnwell, S.C., Rouse currently resides in Columbia.