The Heidelberg University community this week welcomed Dr. Christopher Abrams as the new dean of Student Affairs.
Abrams comes to Heidelberg from Malone University in Canton, his undergraduate alma mater. At Malone, he had served as vice president for Student Development the past 13 years. Earlier in his Student Affairs career, he worked at Weber State University in Utah, John Brown University in Arkansas, Messiah College in Pennsylvania and Houghton College in New York.
At Heidelberg, Abrams will provide leadership in Student Affairs by creating and implementing the vision, strategy and programming to develop and maintain a safe, healthy and supportive student-centered, multicultural environment for everyone, according to President Robert H. Huntington.
“Chris has high energy, a friendly demeanor, a quick mind, and the depth and breadth of professional experience that we sought in our new dean,” Huntington said. “Most importantly, he has a tremendous passion to help students succeed.”
In addition to its strong academic reputation, Abrams said he was drawn to Heidelberg, including the town of Tiffin, because of the small, tight-knit atmosphere. “As a big fan of athletics, I’ve learned a lot about the traditions here at Heidelberg and it all drew me in,” Abrams said.
As he gets acclimated to Heidelberg, Abrams is keeping two goals in mind. “I want to get to know and understand the Heidelberg culture and I want to get to know the students. As I get to know everyone, that will help me determine how to help our students succeed,” he said.
In addition to his undergraduate degree in broadcasting and journalism, Abrams also has a master’s degree in college student development from Alfred College in Alfred, N.Y., and his doctoral degree in higher education administration and leadership from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark.
Abrams and his wife, Melissa, and their two daughters have relocated to Tiffin.