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New dean at college; Longtime FSCC official announces his retirement
Steve Armstrong, dean of student services at Fort Scott Community College, has announced his retirement and will step down Jan. 31.
Robert Goltra, who grew up in Fort Scott, will replace Armstrong in the job.
Armstrong came to FSCC in 1988 from American States Insurance and had previously been with Western Insurance since 1972. Armstrong started at FSCC as director of management services and added the director of admissions title later in his first year. In 1990, he became dean of student services.
"Years ago, when I was developing my formal education I decided to major in mathematics," Armstrong said in a news release. "While at FSCC, I developed a love for the social sciences, after taking a sociology class from Marcel Normand, and that became my minor.
"My experiences here at FSCC have allowed me to engage students in a way that permitted me to use the deductive reasoning skills of mathematics and the personal relationship skills of social science. I would say this experience has been most satisfying because I was able to directly apply those principles in the areas that I love, math and social science, in a unique way to help students learn and grow and feel better about themselves and the country in which they live."
FSCC President Clayton Tatro expressed gratitude for Armstrong's service to the college.
"We are especially grateful for the dedication and service that Steve has provided to students and the college over multiple years," Tatro said in the release. "His work ethic and dedication to the college will be forever remembered. We wish him well in his retirement. He will be genuinely missed."
Steve and his wife, Janet, hope to spend more time with their grandchildren and travel.
Tatro announced Monday that Goltra has been named the new dean of student services. Goltra start his new job on Feb. 1.
"Student engagement and success have always been at the forefront of my career in education," Goltra said in a news release. "This position excites me as I will have daily opportunities to collaborate with faculty and staff to further enhance the overall student experience at FSCC."
"We are definitely excited with the experience and background that Robert brings to this position," Tatro said. "His prior work in the recruiting and retention of students will prove invaluable for the college and ultimately the students we serve."
As dean of student services, Goltra will oversee the office of student services and work closely with the FSCC admissions, advising, financial aid, registrar and residential life offices.
Goltra, who is working toward an Ed.D. degree in higher education administration, has 16 years of experience in education. Most recently, as Vatterott College director of education, Goltra oversaw the career services department, the hiring of adjunct faculty, retention and monitoring of classroom activities.
Prior to joining FSCC, Goltra also held positions at Missouri Southern State University, Grand Canyon University and as a kindergarten through 12th grade public school administrator.