Robert Arbaugh
Auburn Hills,MI
Summary
Higher education leader with deep experience in academic advising, teaching, and department administration. Lead student planning, curriculum development, budget oversight, team supervision, and cross-campus collaboration to support retention, degree completion, and program quality.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Chair, Theatre & Music Department / Tenured Professor / Academic Advisor
Rochester Christian University
Rochester Hills, MI
01.2013 - Current
- Oversaw academic operations, scheduling, and curriculum design for Theatre and Music programs to enhance student learning and program effectiveness.
- Managed departmental budget, overseeing program expenditures, equipment, and production costs to align with institutional goals.
- Develop and assess academic programs to ensure compliance with accreditation standards and student learning outcomes.
- Advised and mentored undergraduate students each semester, facilitating course selection, degree completion, and career planning.
- Supervising a team of up to six employees, including adjunct faculty, staff, and student workers, providing guidance, evaluation, and professional development.
- Serve on the Promotion and Tenure Committee (2022Present), contributing to faculty evaluations and professional growth initiatives.
- Collaborate across departments to enhance student engagement and retention initiatives.
- Recognized as Distinguished Faculty (2018) for exceptional leadership, teaching, and advising contributions.
Assistant & Associate Professor, Theatre Department
Rochester University / Rochester College
01.2011 - 01.2022
- Designed and instructed 15+ courses focused on communication, leadership, and professional development.
- Created and implemented Theatre as Vocation, a seminar integrating academic study with career discernment and goal setting.
- Coordinated faculty advising and contributed to curriculum mapping and program assessment, ensuring alignment with departmental goals.
- Advised students on academic and vocational pathways in arts and humanities, enhancing their educational experience and career readiness.
- Mentored students through academic challenges and graduate school applications, fostering their personal and professional growth.
Artistic Director & Master Class Instructor
UnCovered Theatre Company
Detroit, MI
01.2010 - Current
- Founded and managed educational theatre organization, overseeing operations, budget planning, staff supervision, and program development to enhance community engagement.
- Directed educational programming and workshops emphasizing leadership, teamwork, and creative communication skills to support effective student advising.
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions to broaden learning opportunities and increase community outreach.
Education
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) - Acting
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2010
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Acting, Emphasis in Directing
Oakland University
Auburn Hills, MI05-2005
Skills
- Curriculum & Program Development
- Academic Advising & Student Success
- Student Retention & Engagement
- Student Mentorship & Advising
- Degree Audits & Academic Planning
- Teaching Class Engagement
- Budget Oversight & Fiscal Planning
- Budget management
- Staff Supervision & Team Leadership
- Team Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Career counseling
Personal Information
Title: Tenured Professor, Department Chair, Artistic Director
Honors & Awards
Distinguished Faculty Award, Rochester University 2018, Outstanding MFA Graduate, Regent University 2010
Institutional Service
- Chair, Theatre and Music Department, 2022Present
- Artistic Director, 2016Present
- Production Manager, 20152022
- Academic Advisor, 2017Present
- Promotion & Tenure Committee, 2022Present
- Program Review & Curriculum Assessment Contributor
- Student Recruitment, Retention and Success Task
Timeline
Chair, Theatre & Music Department / Tenured Professor / Academic Advisor
Rochester Christian University
01.2013 - Current
Assistant & Associate Professor, Theatre Department
Rochester University / Rochester College
01.2011 - 01.2022
Artistic Director & Master Class Instructor
UnCovered Theatre Company
01.2010 - Current
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) - Acting
Regent University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Acting, Emphasis in Directing
Oakland University