Author Profile
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Frank Shushok | President, Roanoke College
Current Position and Past Experience
Dr. Frank Shushok Jr. is the 12th President of Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, where he provides institutional leadership focused on strategic planning, academic innovation, student success, and regional engagement. Since joining the College in 2022, he has worked with campus and community stakeholders to advance Imagine Roanoke, a comprehensive strategic plan centered on transdisciplinary learning, campus transformation, and expanded access to workforce-aligned and continuing education opportunities. His leadership has also supported initiatives that strengthen community partnerships through the Roanoke College–Roanoke Valley (RC-RV) initiative, connecting the institution more closely with regional educational and economic needs.
Dr. Shushok brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, with a career centered on student development, institutional transformation, and organizational strategy. Prior to Roanoke College, he served for 13 years in senior leadership roles at Virginia Tech, including Vice President for Student Affairs, where he also held a tenured faculty appointment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Earlier in his career, he held multiple leadership roles at Baylor University, including Dean for Student Learning and Engagement and Associate Dean for Campus Living and Learning, as well as faculty and program leadership within graduate education in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
Across his career, Dr. Shushok has focused on aligning student learning, institutional strategy, and campus culture to create environments where learners can thrive. His work has consistently emphasized holistic student success, leadership development, and the integration of academic and co-curricular experiences within higher education institutions.
Education, Honors, and Achievements
Dr. Shushok earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Baylor University, a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from The Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Policy, Planning, and Analysis from the University of Maryland, College Park.
In addition to his academic leadership, he has served in ministry for more than 20 years, most recently as pastor of “edges,” a progressive United Methodist community in Blacksburg. He is also a frequent contributor to conversations on student success, institutional transformation, and the future of higher education leadership.
Dr. Shushok is recognized for his integrative approach to higher education leadership, blending strategic vision, student-centered practice, and community engagement to strengthen institutions and expand opportunities for learners.
Dr. Frank Shushok Jr. is the 12th President of Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, where he provides institutional leadership focused on strategic planning, academic innovation, student success, and regional engagement. Since joining the College in 2022, he has worked with campus and community stakeholders to advance Imagine Roanoke, a comprehensive strategic plan centered on transdisciplinary learning, campus transformation, and expanded access to workforce-aligned and continuing education opportunities. His leadership has also supported initiatives that strengthen community partnerships through the Roanoke College–Roanoke Valley (RC-RV) initiative, connecting the institution more closely with regional educational and economic needs.
Dr. Shushok brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, with a career centered on student development, institutional transformation, and organizational strategy. Prior to Roanoke College, he served for 13 years in senior leadership roles at Virginia Tech, including Vice President for Student Affairs, where he also held a tenured faculty appointment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Earlier in his career, he held multiple leadership roles at Baylor University, including Dean for Student Learning and Engagement and Associate Dean for Campus Living and Learning, as well as faculty and program leadership within graduate education in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
Across his career, Dr. Shushok has focused on aligning student learning, institutional strategy, and campus culture to create environments where learners can thrive. His work has consistently emphasized holistic student success, leadership development, and the integration of academic and co-curricular experiences within higher education institutions.
Education, Honors, and Achievements
Dr. Shushok earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Baylor University, a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from The Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Policy, Planning, and Analysis from the University of Maryland, College Park.
In addition to his academic leadership, he has served in ministry for more than 20 years, most recently as pastor of “edges,” a progressive United Methodist community in Blacksburg. He is also a frequent contributor to conversations on student success, institutional transformation, and the future of higher education leadership.
Dr. Shushok is recognized for his integrative approach to higher education leadership, blending strategic vision, student-centered practice, and community engagement to strengthen institutions and expand opportunities for learners.
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