Rowan University appoints Dobbins as vice president for research

Rowan University announced on Friday it has appointed Tabbetha A. Dobbins as its new vice president for research and dean of the graduate school.

Previously, Dobbins was the provost fellow for research at Rowan and currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

“An outstanding, nationally recognized scientist in materials science, Dr. Dobbins is a passionate educator whose research and teaching emphasizes the engagement of underrepresented populations in STEM,” Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand said. “She is a 2009 recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and has been awarded more than $2 million in research funding since 2003.”

In her new role, Dobbins will be tasked with facilitating and enhancing the school’s research activities and lead growth in multidisciplinary research areas. She will also represent Rowan on external research boards.

At The School of Graduate Studies, Dobbins will help operationally align faculty, students and visiting scholars’ research activities with academic research programs, promote the growth of doctoral programs, and oversee graduate student policies and services.