University of Dubuque Names New Dean of Student Life

Apr 4, 2006 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

President Jeffrey F. Bullock announces the appointment of Peter Gitau Ngatia as Dean of Student Life. Gitau will begin his service at the University in July 2006. 

Gitau earned his bachelor of education in secondary education at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; his master of science in educational administration at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL; and his doctorate in higher education policy and leadership at the University of Kansas, Lawrence Kansas. 

"I am extremely pleased to have someone with such a diverse background join the University in our mission to serve our students," commented Bullock. "Peter brings with him a wealth of insight in student and multicultural affairs, as well as higher educational administration. He will be a valuable asset to the University and I look forward to the contributions that he will make." 

Involved in education for the past seventeen years, Gitau has a wide range of experience. He has served as principal of the Veritas Christian School in Lawrence, KS; instructor of foreign languages, and in various capacities in the Peer Mentoring Program, Multicultural Program, and Office of International Students at the University of Kansas. Most recently, he has served as assistant professor of education, and as executive assistant to the president for diversity and director of multicultural affairs at Manchester College, a college of the Church of the Brethren, in North Manchester, Indiana. He has extensive experience in international educational and cultural programs, student affairs administration, and in diversity and multicultural affairs with specific interest in student retention. 

Additionally, Gitau has served as a Presbyterian youth chairman in Kenya and as an associate minister and elder within the Victory Bible Church in Lawrence, Kansas. He is a certified diversity trainer with the National Multicultural Institute; a founder and board member of Teach My Kenyan Children (TMKC), an international Christian educational mission's initiative with programs in Kenya, East Africa; and has presented papers at numerous higher educational conferences. 

He is a member of the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), and is ordained with the Evangelical Church Alliance (ECA). 

In accepting the offer to join the University of Dubuque team, Gitau said, "I am deeply humbled at the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic organization as the University of Dubuque. In all my interactions with various members of the university, it is clear that there is an unequivocal commitment to seeing students succeed. It is a great honor to be a part of and to lead an energetic, student centered and competent Student Life team that will join hands with others across campus and beyond to offer maximum developmental support to all students. I am looking forward to the transition."