Huntington appoints new academic dean

Huntington, Ind. " Huntington College announces that Dr. Ronald J. Webb has been named Vice President and Dean of the College. Dr. Webb brings extensive teaching and administrative experience to the role. He has been involved as a teacher or administrator at two state universities, one international college and two private liberal arts colleges. Currently, he serves as Chairman and Professor of Business in the Department of Management and Business at Messiah College (Grantham, Pennsylvania). In this role, he oversees a department of 400 majors and 13 faculty members.


Huntington College will host a reception for Dr. Ron Webb on Monday, May 4, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Johnson Board Room of the RichLyn Library. The campus community, local alumni, and college supporters are invited to attend.

Dr. Webb will succeed Dr. Gerald Smith, who has served as vice president and dean for 16 years. Dr. Smith has chosen to return to full-time teaching in physics next fall.

"Dr. Webb has an extensive record of publications and professional activities," said Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president. "He has published in the area of cross-cultural issues and organizational behavior and is currently working with a foundation in Washington, DC on a micro-enterprise development project."

"I am particularly pleased by Dr. Webb's strong international experience," Dowden added. "He taught for two years at the Abadan Institute of Technology in Iran and has had extensive teaching and consulting experience in Russia, Netherlands, Germany, England, China, Costa Rica, and Brazil."

Ron Webb and his wife, Joan, are the parents of three grown children "all of whom have graduated from or are currently attending Christian liberal arts colleges. Matthew is Director of Student Programs at Houghton College. Eric teaches biology in a public high school and Jason is a senior at Messiah College. Joan has been a writing instructor and editor.

"Over the last several months, our search committee and campus community have worked diligently in searching for a new Vice President and Dean of the College," said Dowden. "We have prayed and sought God's guidance and wisdom. I am very pleased that after many hours of extensive interviewing, prayer and discussion, Dr. Webb will be joining the Huntington College family."