Biography

Keith Betts
Vice President for Student Affairs

Keith Betts, EdD, MBA, was appointed on July 1, 2011, as Armstrong Atlantic State University’s Vice President for Student Affairs. In this position, Dr. Betts oversees all aspects of campus life and student affairs for Armstrong’s residential, commuter, non-traditional, military, online, international, and graduate students.

Vice President Betts has over 25 years of leadership experience. Dr. Betts’ expertise is in higher education administration, leadership, student development, strategic planning, project management, and finance. He has extensive experience in the areas of program development, student services, student recruitment and retention, parent services, revenue enhancement, Board of Trustees and senior management policy development, crisis management, athletics, development and alumni affairs, and enhancing student gathering spaces. Dr. Betts’ greatest strengths include optimizing and leveraging human and organizational resources, student and alumni engagement (campus, local, state, national, and international levels), community partnerships, formulation and execution of strategic plans, staff recruitment and development, interpersonal skills, financial management, and successful administration in complex and competitive environments.

Prior to joining Armstrong, Dr. Betts served as the Vice President for Student Services & Dean of Students at Buena Vista University. At BVU his areas of special focus included finalizing a five-year strategic plan, increasing enrollment, and growing institutional diversity. He had oversight for several areas, including retention and student success, career services, spiritual life, residential life & housing, health & wellness, athletics, intramurals, campus security, conferencing, counseling services, judicial services, student activities, intercultural programs, and community services. Some of his key accomplishments included developing a five-year plan to improve and expand student gathering spaces including athletic facilities and campus housing, increasing the number of recruited student-athletes, and establishing the offices of Parent Services, Outdoor Recreation and Adventure, and International Student Services.

Prior to joining Buena Vista, Betts served in positions of increasing responsibility at The George Washington University (GWU) starting in 1985. These positions included athletics and alumni relations before moving to his last post at GWU as senior executive director in the Division of Student and Academic Support Services. There he worked directly with the senior vice president to establish short- and long-range goals and help manage more than 500 full-time personnel.

In addition to his executive and leadership experience, Betts also has served as an adjunct faculty member at Buena Vista, Drexel University, and GWU. He is currently a peer reviewer for the Journal of Online Learning and Technology and presents at national conferences. A native of Sherwood Forest, England, he holds a Doctor of Higher Education Administration and Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He also earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Management from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s of Science, with Honors, in Sports Administration & Science from Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham, England.