UD Vice President and Academic Dean John Stewart to Retire
Sep 24, 2009 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
President Jeffrey F. Bullock today announced the retirement of John R. Stewart, vice president and dean of academic affairs, effective June 1, 2010.
"John has given strong, determined, and compassionate leadership to the University through one of the most tumultuous times in its history," stated President Bullock. "The teaching faculty has become a strong, thoughtful, and dedicated team under his care and leadership. His scholarly contributions to his discipline have shown the way for both those who have had the good fortune to be his students and countless others who have been inspired to "build bridges not walls" through his many books, articles, and presentations."
John R. Stewart earned his associate degree at Centralia College, Centralia, Washington; his bachelor's degree (magna cum laude) at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington; his master's degree at Northwestern University, and his doctorate at the University of Southern California.
Stewart began his teaching career at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the University of Southern California. Prior to his appointment at the University of Dubuque, he had been a member of the faculty at the University of Washington for 32 years. While at the University of Washington he was recognized for excellence in teaching when he was awarded the Special Merit Recognition for Exceptional Teaching in the College of Arts (1990) and Professor of the Quarter (1996). In 1999, the Western States Communication Association presented him with the coveted Master Teacher Award.
John Stewart's list of publications - books, journal articles, professional presentations, and distinguished lectureships - is extensive. Stewart's book,Bridges Not Walls: A Book About Interpersonal Communication , is in its 10th edition, and is widely recognized as the introductory text in interpersonal communication at colleges and universities around the nation.
"I am profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve God in this place since 2001," Stewart commented. "The University is an exciting place to work and is well-positioned to move into the most productive period in its more than 150-year history."
A national search, including internal and external candidates, will be conducted to fill Stewart's position.
