College of the Redwoods Welcomes Dr. Rebecca Robertson as Dean of Culture, Society, and Communication
Press release from the College of the Redwoods:
Dr. Rebecca Robertson – Dean of Culture, Society, and Communication
College of the Redwoods is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rebecca Robertson as its new Dean of Culture, Society, and Communications. Dr. Robertson has over 20 years of experience in higher education, where she has made notable contributions in online education, inclusive student success, curriculum, and program design. Her expertise aligns with CR’s mission to provide accessible and high-quality education to the North Coast community.
Dr. Robertson comes to CR from Cal Poly Humboldt, where she served as the Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies – Individualized Degree Program (IDP), developing and managing a flexible degree pathway that meets diverse student needs and goals. Previously, she served as Faculty in Anthropology, Graduate Program Coordinator for the M.A. in Applied Anthropology, Director of the Applied Anthropology and Ethnographic Research Lab, and Faculty Rights Chair for the California Faculty Association. She holds a Ph.D. in Education, an M.A. in Globalization and the Environment, and a B.A. in Anthropology, underscoring her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
Dr. Robertson’s connection to CR runs deep—she previously served as an associate faculty member in the Anthropology Department and as a member of the College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees. Her leadership embodies a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and fostering an inclusive educational environment where students, faculty, and staff thrive. Her research and publications address critical issues in higher education, with findings that have informed institutional practices and served as expert testimony before the Oregon State Legislature on improving transfer pathways for first-generation and underserved students.
Dr. Robertson is also deeply committed to faculty development and academic excellence. She has led professional development initiatives focused on enhancing online and hybrid instruction, supported faculty in curriculum innovation, and advocated for shared governance and collaborative leadership. Her experience mentoring faculty in best teaching practices, student-centered learning approaches, and interdisciplinary research will help strengthen CR’s academic programs and foster a dynamic teaching and learning environment.
“I am excited to join the College of the Redwoods community and apply my experience in higher education, program development, and student success to support its students and the broader region,” said Dr. Robertson. “CR is a vital part of our community, helping students build their futures—whether they are pursuing a college degree, gaining workforce skills, or preparing for a new career. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and local partners to foster innovation, expand opportunities, and strengthen career pathways.
My aim is to ensure that CR continues to serve as an adaptable and forward-thinking hub for education, workforce training, and community growth, providing students with the resources and hands-on learning experiences they need to succeed in 21st-century careers and an ever-changing world.”
CR President Dr. Keith Flamer expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Robertson’s appointment, stating, “We wanted to find an innovative leader who is energized by the opportunity to help College of the Redwoods’ upward momentum and impact in our community. I believe that College of the Redwoods has found the perfect match in Dr. Robertson, whose academic and management expertise positions her as an astute and innovative leader for CR’s future.”
As Dean, Dr. Robertson will oversee the following academic programs:
- Administration of Justice
- Anthropology
- Art
- Communications
- English
- Ethnic Studies
- History
- Language
- Music
- Native American Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Social Work
She will play a key role in advancing CR’s Education Master Plan and ensuring that CR continues to be a beacon of opportunity for students seeking personal and professional growth.
College of the Redwoods is excited to welcome Dr. Robertson and looks forward to her contributions to the institution’s future. College of the Redwoods is excited to welcome Dr. Robertson and looks forward to her contributions to the institution’s future.
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Missing in Press Release is how much the Dean will be paid.
Way too much for doing nothing. The administrator to student ratio at both hsu and college of the redwoods must be approached 1 to 1.
Thanks for pointing out the most wasteful part of any institution of higher learning in California
All the programs this new Dean oversees have zero societal value, the Dean’s value to society is therfore zero also, just wasted taxpayer money
You are so dense, I can fully understand why you would place 0 value on programs such as English, art, or music. You would be dangerous is you had more than low IQ opinions. How’s that peripheral neuropathy treating you?
Her credentials are a red flag for a community collage. Over qualified? A bit, and a community collage should focus on different academics then communication, culture and society. FFS.
Agreed. A focus on spelling comes to mind.?
I wonder what Mr. Clark’s community collage looks like. I imagine lots cutouts of flag waving fanatics goose stepping in unison, plastered all over the walls of his mind; like an ode to fascism, with cornstarch. ???
Wood shop, metal shop, cop training.
How about repeating the same sentence at the end of the story.
It’s fairly obvious you don’t have an understanding of what “communications” education entails. Also, not every course has to lead to a degree. There’s plenty of folks that take course just for the sake of knowing things, or apply to a trade. Or going to college because that’s the only socializing they get in their life. That’s what it’s there for.
The progs have ruined this collage.
Then make another one!
Congrats Dr.Robertson! She is an amazing advisor and teacher; really- the main highlight of my time at Cal Poly Humboldt was her classes in the IDP program solving “wicked problems.” Dr. Robertson will certainly be an asset to the faculty, students and programs at the College of the Redwoods.
Before the “what the hell does anthropology have to do with anything?” crowd gets amped up, there are a lot of overlapping studies in that. Anthropology, for the ambivalent, is the study of humans, behaviors and societies. A lot of that includes things on that list are part of it, and even sub-specialties. The challenge is getting students interested in any of it. Some can lead to pretty nice salaries if you hustle, and some don’t really go anywhere and are more general knowledge. But I would not say she’s unqualified. The opposite actually. And we did vote for C/R getting more funding for things so we’re a little insulated from what the rest of the state is twisting around with education funding.
The comments on here seem to want to hang Dr. Rebecca Robertson as Dean of Culture Society and Communications without giving her a fair chance to perform her work. I am glad she chose CR instead of staying at Cal Poly Humboldt which is a mess. Welcome Dr. Robertson and the very best of luck to you with your new job.
I’d call it an upgrade.
I sure hope so.
Well, to CR’s credit, they didn’t use divisive buzzwords in this announcement.
she sounds like a good lady
Yes definitely not the “dreaded” DEI hire that scares all the RWNJ’s.
A blonde woman at that. Times they are a changin
Now that she’s landed her job, she can get dreaded and start identifying as a different race.
Joking aside, regardless of whether or not she is a DEI hire, her CV includes items that look suspiciously like administering DEI programs, and the title “Culture, Society, and Communications” could have a lot of DEI crap under that umbrella.
She is a great person and a excellent teacher!
An organization looking for a way to stay under budget should consider elimination of the entire program. From what I’m reading their functions could be consolidated with existing programs. Bloated bureaucracy much?
She starts out as a board of trustee and magically they create a non-existent position for her. Sus.
“Culture, society, and communication” is just a new title for DEI director without being called DEI
Looks suspicious that way to me, too. Since CA voters rejected the Democrat DEI referendum within the last few years, would there be a basis for a legal challenge if it is found to be so?
What a waste of taxpayer money.
Dean of culture? What a joke.