Dr. Russell Sharples has joined Pfeiffer University as interim vice president for student development and dean of students.
Sharples accepted the position not long after retiring from a long career at Stanly Community College.
As vice president for student development at Pfeiffer, alumnus Sharples will be responsible for the leadership and management of co-curricular programs, specifically in career services, student activities, residence life, wellness and counseling and campus safety.
He will direct the work of the student development staff to accomplish the mission of the university, and will maintain collaborative working relations with students, faculty, staff, parents and other university constituencies, as well as the general public.
Sharples will report directly to Dr. Chuck Ambrose, college president, and will serve, along with other university administrators, as a member of the Strategic Leadership Team and policy adviser to the president.
“We are fortunate to have Russ return to the Pfeiffer campus,” Ambrose said. “Not only is his philosophy of student development based on a student-centered approach, but he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a student advocate that I know will significantly enhance the tremendous student initiatives that are currently in place here.
“I look forward to his ability to help this institution maintain its quality residential initiatives and student development programming.”
Sharples has 32 years of experience in North Carolina community college education. At SCC, he served most recently as vice president for student development since 1997. During his tenure there, he worked his way up the ladder, and he held a number of positions that include dean of administration, director of occupational education and coordinator for resource development. Sharples also has served as an adjunct instructor at various community colleges.
The veteran education administrator also serves on a number of professional boards and committees across the state, and is involved locally in his church and several Stanly County public schools.
Sharples also serves in leadership posts for a number of area civic organizations and community service agencies, including as chair of the Stanly County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, chair of the Stanly County Arts Council Board of Directors and is on the Board of Directors for the Albemarle Rotary Club.
Sharples earned his Ed.D. in higher education leadership from N.C. State University, a master’s degree in history from UNC-Greensboro and a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline from Pfeiffer. Sharples and his wife, Susan, live in Albemarle.