OBU Names Skaggs Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students

OBU recently named Dr. Brandon Skaggs associate vice president for student development and dean of students. The move was a promotion from Skaggs’ previous role as dean of students. The new position became effective Oct. 1.

“During his time at OBU, Brandon has led in the creation of new initiatives for leadership development for our students,” Dr. Stan Norman, provost and executive vice president of campus life, said. “In the course of his service at OBU, Brandon has matured in his leadership and grown in his capacity to take on additional duties, and he has executed these responsibilities with excellence. He was recently assigned supervision of the Recreation and Wellness Center as well as our club sports program. In addition, he has led the student life team in strategic planning and program development, all while completing his doctorate. We are excited to congratulate Dr. Brandon Skaggs on this well-deserved recognition and promotion.”

Skaggs is humbled and grateful for the administration’s support for his team’s work on campus. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to lead a tremendous team of talented professionals who truly see this as a calling in their lives,” he said. “I am thankful to the executive leadership for the continued support and trust given to us within student development. I am also thankful to the tremendous OBU community which continues to collaborate and integrate with us as we strive for excellence in providing a Christ-centered approach to student development.”

Skaggs earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2003, where he acted as the student body president during his graduating year. Skaggs went on to receive his Master of Business Administration in 2007 from Tarleton State University. This year, he completed his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

Over the past four years, his responsibilities have grown from originally supervising five departments to currently supervising 10 departments, including residential life, multicultural affairs, international student services, judicial affairs, recreation and wellness services, student leadership and engagement, club and intramural sports, career development, health services and counseling services. He likewise manages and provides supervision over 28 departmental budgets, while serving on many committees around campus. He also serves the university as the deputy Title IX coordinator and serves as the sponsor for both Student Government Association and Greek Life Council.

Prior to joining the OBU staff in 2011 as dean of students, Skaggs held several positions at Dallas Baptist University including director of admissions and recruitment, academic advisor and international student recruiter. Beginning in 2006, he coordinated and supervised the recruitment effort for the Cook School of Leadership and the Graduate School of Business. He spearheaded marketing and enrollment plans for nine academic programs while providing administrative support for program leadership. He also provided leadership and development activities to enhance the educational and social development of more than 700 students in conjunction with several offices at the university and served as teaching faculty from 2007 to 2011.

Skaggs lives in Shawnee with his wife of 12 years, Sara, and their four children, Sydney, Brady, Bennet and Beau. He and his family attend Heritage Church where he hosts a discipleship group and teaches third and fourth grades students during Sunday School. His hobbies include spending time with his family and friends and attending various campus events.