Charlotte Campus Names New President

Robert C. Mock, Jr., EdD, has been named president of Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte Campus. The announcement was made by Mim Runey LPD, JWU’s Providence Campus president and chief operating officer. Mock will begin his presidency on September 30.

Advancing JWU’s Mission
Charged with advancing the university’s mission and guiding principles, Mock’s primary areas of focus will be developing a campus plan to support retention and graduation rates, academic programming, student engagement, affordability, relationships in the Charlotte community, and a strong foundation with respect to finances, human resources, and campus facilities and infrastructure.

Distinguished Career in Higher Education + Business
Mock brings a wealth of experience in higher education, business, and the military that will benefit the Charlotte Campus. His career in higher education began in 1995 at the University of Arkansas as a staff member in continuing education; four years later, he joined the faculty. In 2001, he began his ascent in the university’s leadership, from an associate dean to the associate vice provost for student affairs. Since 2010, he has served as the vice president for student affairs at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

His professional career started in business, with positions at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Pepsi-Cola Company in Missouri, and the Illinois Tool Works in Arkansas. From 2002 until 2010, he served in the Arkansas Army National Guard as a medical service corps hospital administrative officer. He has received many academic honors, has presented at numerous conferences, is well published, and has been an active member in the community. He received both his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and Master of Arts in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Mock and his family are looking forward to relocating to North Carolina.

Gratitude to Interim President Malik
Tarun Malik '90, '11 EdD, has been an excellent steward for the Charlotte Campus as interim president; he returns to his prior position of vice president of the campus. With his years of knowledge and experience, he will ensure a smooth transition of leadership and will be a strong asset to the new president in the coming months.